This week’s TECH topic is on…drum roll please: EXAM PREPARATION!!!!! During these past two weeks, I had exams in two of my courses: CHE106 and HTW 303. In order to prepare for my examinations in these courses I used the Anticipating Test Questions strategy. In addition, to see where I could make room for improvement I used the Directional Word Analysis strategy.
For CHE 106, instead of anticipating my own questions to prepare for the exam, I simply used a sample practice exam, which my professor provided on BlackBoard. With the use of the sample practice exam, I was able to visualize the format of how the actual exam would be and also to get a sense of what type questions would be on it. Since we learn so much material in this course it is nearly impossible for the professor to test us on every single topic. I was able to analyze which topics would be on the exam by using the sample practice. In addition, the syllabus was a great tool in finding out the pattern of the exam. Chemistry is based on cause and effects so I knew the majority of the test questions would be in a cause and effect
pattern form. I made sure to practice question. The questions I had difficulty answering, were the question topics I focused mostly on. If I still had trouble after practicing similar problems to the practice exam and re-reading about the topics, I then asked for help from a tutor.
This strategy really helped me study and understand the topics on the exam. Although I found this as a good way to anticipate exam questions, I still need to improve the way I prepare for exams. I did not get the score I wanted to receive. Perhaps trying a new strategy or making sure to come up with my own questions would be helpful next time.
In my HTW 303 course, I used the Directional Word Analysis strategy to prepare for the exam I had last week. My HTW professor gives us a list of review questions and definitions for every lecture, which are broken down into chapters. Since she does not give out sample practice exams or allow is to keep the test we take, it was best for me to use her review questions as a source material to prepare for the exam. When reading the
syllabus, I can tell that the pastern of the exam questions will be based on definitions & ideas+concepts. Surely they were! This strategy was straight to the point and helped me understand the specific information my professor wanted me to know for the exam. I would definitely recommend anyone to use this strategy especially if one is preparing for an exam that will solely be on definitions.
These strategies taught me how to become more organized and how to better prepare myself for further examinations. As Dr. Blumin says,“The key to success in test achievement is test preparation.”
I'm in the same CHE 106 class this semester and I agree that we learn a lot of material within the course. I found that using a Q&A map helped me to see which specific topics were asked the most. I recommend it to you since you noted that trying a different option would appeal to you.
ReplyDeleteFor advice, I think an easier way to use the word analysis is to look at it by topic. That way it is easier to focus and you will make sure you have written down every definition and not missed any. I also think using a practice exam is a smart way to study and a time saver. Not only are you practicing all the topics, but you are seeing which ones give you difficultly and what the test will be like. Overall, good job on preparing for your test!
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