1. Taking notes in class
Get note-taking supplies that fit your style
· Use the Cornell Method of note-taking
(see
attached)
· Record only important ideas – use bullets instead
of complete sentences
· Listen and look for cues
“The main point here is…”
“Most importantly…”
· Use abbreviations
· If you can’t keep up, leave spaces – confer with classmates or the
instructor (after class) to fill in the blanks
· Data dump and review
· Compare notes
· Review your notes periodically
· Strengthen your memory pathways by frequently
reviewing your notes
· Rehearse your notes aloud
2. Reading the textbook
· DO NOT READ THE TEXTBOOK
· The textbook is meant as a reference – use it to clarify what the
instructor has presented in class
· Use the charts and figures as you study the
concepts
· Muscle Reading - turn the headings into questions
– search for the
answers
3. Preparing for the exam
· Use the outline from your instructor
· Turn the headings from the outline into questions
· Use the information from your notes to answer the
questions
· Remember to use the textbook as a reference, as you are answering
questions about a certain topic; refer to the charts in the textbook –
visualizing the process helps!!
· Create a packet for each chapter. The packet should include the
questions and answers you’ve created, and maybe a copy of the practice
quiz from the internet
BEFORE THE TEST
Daily reviews – review your notes both before and
after class. These daily reviews require about 5
minutes per day per subject. Daily reviews will help
move information from short-term memory to long-term
memory.
Weekly reviews – each week you should spend at least
an hour on each subject reviewing your notes and
your reading assignments. This time is separate from
the time you spend doing homework.
Major reviews – a week before the exam you should do
daily major reviews. This review includes all of
your notes and reading assignments. In addition,
creating your own exam is a helpful tool for test
preparation.
What the exam will cover shouldn’t be a
mystery. If it is – see the instructor and ask what
to expect.
Summarize – pretend that the instructor said that
you could bring one note card to the exam. Choose
the most important concepts, formulas, and key words
and condense them onto one note card. This exercise
highlights important material.
AS YOU BEGIN
Arrive early – drop off stuff – leave the classroom
until the instructor arrives. The classroom before
an exam can be extremely chaotic. Your goal is to
keep yourself as calm as possible.
Pay attention to verbal instructions as test is
distributed. Your instructor may be giving you very
helpful information. Often, we are so pre-occupied
with what the exam looks like that we miss important
information.
Before you look at the exam – flip it over and DUMP
YOUR BRAIN. This will allow you to attack the exam
with a clear and focused mind.
DURING THE TEST
Do the easiest, shortest questions first. If you
don’t immediately know the answer MOVE ON. This will
allow you to experience success and build
confidence. In addition, you are stimulating
associations and preparing yourself for the more
difficult problems.
If you need clarification of an exam question, ask
your professor.
Pace yourself – pay attention to time allotted. Make
sure you are approximately half way through the exam
when half of your time is used.
Review the exam – if time allows. Check for careless
mistakes or spelling errors. Unless you realize that
you read the question wrong - DO NOT CHANGE ANSWERS
TO MULITIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS. Usually your first
instinct is correct.
HINTS FOR SPECIFIC QUESTION TYPES
Multiple choice
Cover the answers while you read the question.
Anticipate the answer before you look at the
options. This will reduce the chance that you will
be confused.
Once you have answered the question in your mind,
read over all of the options.
Eliminate highly implausible answers.
DO NOT CHANGE YOUR ANSWER
True/False
Answer quickly – these questions are generally not
worth many points.
Watch for qualifiers. Watch for such words as
always, all, never, and every.
The question is often
false because there are often exceptions.
Short Answer
Use the multiple-choice questions to find answers.
Answer the questions you know first.
Do not leave any blank.
Essay Questions
Read the question carefully. Are you being asked to
compare/contrast?
Describe? Outline?
Write a quick outline first. This will serve two
purposes. Firstly, if you don’t get a chance to
finish the essay, you may score some points on the
information. Secondly, once you have established
what you will include in your essay, you can focus
on the writing.
Use part of the question in the answer. This is a
quick and easy way to write an intro. For example:
If the question is List and briefly describes the
structure of the heart wall. You could start your
essay with “The heart wall is made up of…” and you
are on your way.
Write legibly – remember that grading is subjective.
Think about your audience.
Use a pen.
Write on one side of the paper only.
4. Test-taking tips
· Stay calm
· Dump your brain – before you look at the exam
· Be aware of test anxiety
