Looking At Tests

Taking examinations involves more than one bout of studying and a short period of thinking and writing. Preparation for testing can begin during the first class and can continue even after the exam is turned in. However, the usual experience includes periods of intense study, and there may be times when you might be forced to hurry to make up for past failure to do work. Here are some suggestions for investing your study time and energy efficiently:

Before The Exam:

Begin at the beginning of the course and do your work daily. Don't get behind. Get ahead and stay there.

Understand what you are reading, hearing. It's difficult to learn and remember nonsense.

Review intelligently. Set aside a regular part of your study period for reviewing earlier material. You forget rapidly, but relearn easily. Review your notes and your returned papers. Give each area of study the proper attention, neither putting it off nor taking it for granted that you've got it down. When you master certain concepts, relegate them to your weekly review. To check that you really do understand a concept, be sure you can tell it to someone else so they understand it, or write it down so that it makes sense.

Test yourself before the teacher tests you. Don't wait to be surprised! Get ready for what's coming. Construct sample tests from the homework and with other students.

After you have studied on your own, work with others. This isn't charity, it makes sense because the one who is teaching inevitably learns more than the student.

Imagine the material from the teacher's point of view. What questions would you ask? Outguess the teacher, predict questions. Research shows that successful students have always used this valuable and practical technique. The teacher has a specific point of view on the subject, and will write questions so that this viewpoint will be drawn out.

Go to the examination with a sharp mind which has not been dulled by too much last-minute studying. Be sure that you also bring to the examination all the materials you need so that you will be ready to work when you receive the paper.

At The Exam

Skim over the exam first to get an idea of what material is being asked for, and how the test itself is organized. Ask questions where you aren't sure what's being asked.

Establish priorities:

Go to easy items first, leave difficult items until last

Budget your time accordingly Budget your time accordingly How much is each question worth? (One worth 10% should take 10% of your time)

Begin working.

Read each item thoughtfully, in relation to the course. Stick to the question.

Reread what you have done. Reread what you have done. Make changes or additions as seems wise.
Be sure that the reader can follow your logic easily.

Give your teacher an excuse for awarding partial credit: Don't leave blanks!

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