Final Exam Test Taking Final Exam Test Taking StrategiesStrategies

Dr. John Michael Domino

Center of Academic Achievement

Florida Gulf Coast University

CONCENTRATION

Do you daydream while you study?

Does your mind tend to wander off?

Do you think of things totally unrelated to the subject?

Do you worry often?

ConcentrationWhat can you do?

PUSH - PUSH Prepare and Organize! Use syllabi & study guide. Study difficult subjects first! Have a dedicated study space.

Phone – turn it off! Use SQ3R method. Study subjects at peak times. Have a worry pad handy and

write down stray thoughts.

What to do now?

Pay close attention to everything in class. Take detailed notes -even if you don’t understand! During review sessions, check for clarification. Draw pictures and symbols for recall. Plan to review with a study buddy. Rewrite notes in your own words. Write down questions – go to the source! Get answers today! E-mail instructors. Schedule SI or tutorial sessions.

I am Already BehindWhat Else Can I Do?

Double your efforts – Unplug the T.V.! Answer only - important E-Mails! Budget Time - Study & Exercise! Carry Flashcards with you & review often! Put a “W.I.P.” sign on your door/desk! Turn phone off & answering machine on! Prioritize time you have now in a planner! Keep review and study time appointments!

CRAM with a PLAN Focus syllabus and study guide. Condense important information. Use post-notes/flash cars/study list. Recite, recite and recite, out loud. Sleep 8 hrs. the day before exam. Eat a light meal – no caffeine! Preview - the day of the test. Prioritize study time on Daily

Planner – use colors, symbols, etc. Cancel non-essential appointments.

Essays and Subjective Exams• Make a rough outline – list main thoughts.• Organize paragraphs based on information.• Select topic sentence headings.• Write a draft answer and then refine it.• Double space your answers.• Write clear – print answers if necessary.• Read your answers carefully and refine. “PARTIAL CREDIT RULES!”

MEMORY STRATEGIES Organize – List facts in

chronological order use colors and numbers.

Learn Actively – Don’t sit - move around and form a mental picture.

Draw diagrams, charts, cartoons, all pictures are a memory enhancer.

MEMORY STRATEGIES Stay Healthy – studies

show proper diet & exercise can increase memory by 20%.

Recite – reciting is THREE times more effective than reading.

Reviewing – notes the same day increases your chances of recalling by over 70%.

What To Do Before an Exam

Talk with successful, calm, and confident friends. Get adequate sleep – the day before the exam. Don’t Cram – review and condense notes. Review other exams – check if they are on file. Review all quizzes – this is essential. Make up practice test – based on notes. Prepare, Relax, and Think Positive!

Studying For Exams

Use the F-O-C-U-S method, make it a habit!

Focus focus on the syllabus and study guide.

Open open your text and your notes daily and become familiar with the content.

Condense condense notes to form study sheets.

Understand review material you are unsure of.

Study – study in a quiet place, with a partner, in a group, and quiz one another.

What To Do During the Exam

Arrive Early – sit where you feel comfortable. Bring Bottled Water – a huge advantage! Read Questions and Directions Carefully! Practice breathing and exercises. Preview exam - divide & conquer! Prioritize time you have now in writing! Answer multiple choice before essays. Skip difficult questions – save them for last! Allow a few minutes to review answers.

* Intelligent Guessing True/False – if you’re unsure select -True Multiple Choice – Eliminate extreme answers with

words such as always, never, all, none, etc. In-between answers with words such as often, seldom,

probably, are usually a good choice. If you see a strange answer that seems out of place it’s

probably not the right choice. If two answers are completely opposite - usually one is

correct. If a part of a statement is false the whole answer is

false. *Follow rules only if you are unsure of the answer!

After The Exam* Relax – Knowing you have done your best!

Review your all of your answers.

Clarify answers with instructor.

Have incorrect answers explained in detail.

Go over test information with a SI leader.

Talk with the instructor about incorrect answers

“The difference between average and outstanding is less than you can imagine.”

Super Success Strategies Ask questions – get answers the same day! Seek SI or a tutor- make it a habit! E-mail – the instructor, SI leader, classmate, etc. Recite your notes daily – take frequent breaks! Use index cards, post notes, and color pens. Recite out loud - walk around the room. Limit TV and Internet games to 30 min. Visit The Center for Academic Assistance Come to our next Success Seminar:

http://studentservices.fgcu.edu/learning/SuccessSeminar.htm