by Debbie Helms
Guest columnist
Exams are a fundamental process in enabling students to learn. They provide feedback for student and teacher alike: for the student what you know and don’t know; and, for the teacher how to add or revise content to improve students learning. Tests are also used in employment certification, armed forces and many other fields. Exams can be used to test our knowledge and aptitude in subject areas, to meet certification standards for employment or military service, and, most importantly for college students to identify the areas that need work and ensure placement in classes suited to your ability. Society needs exams to test knowledge and exposure and to ensure a good fit between people and their career goals.
The process of preparing for examinations varies from person to person in the way they work, study and allocate time. There are many different learner types and approaches to taking tests. In general these can be divided into three categories. These include:
The Doers - those students who are eager to work when they have a chance. As soon as an exam is set or an opportunity to revise work is announced, they will start straight away and don’t stop until all work is finished. These are the people who will normally achieve higher scores. When taking an exam, they sometimes finish first but are normally the last ones to finish an exam. They usually take time to review their answers and make sure they have done everything they can. Doers tend to have an idea of were their life is heading. The dictionary definition for doer is “somebody who takes action instead of just thinking or talking about it” (Microsoft dictionary).
The Procrastinators are those people who are interested in their work but lack either motivation or self-discipline and, so, end up leaving studying to the last minute. They often regret delaying and wish they handled it differently. They are well-intentioned but frequently indecisive and waste time writing long action plans/lists or thinking about how to tackle a revision. Slowly but surely time starts to run out and nerves set in. Time passes quickly and before they know it test day is upon them. They are left with one day before the exam and have no other choice than to cram. Sometimes this strategy works, but unpredictably.
The Time wasters are people who do little or nothing. They find revision to be a waste of time and effort. Alternatively, they are distracted by something more interesting. Often they don’t understand the significance of studying for exams and how studying on a systematic basis can improve their performance and educational progress. They take their exams and hope for the best.
Depending on the timing and material covered by an upcoming exam, most of us, have at some point or another, exhibited some combination of these three approaches to preparing for an exam. Clearly, however those employing the first approach to exams and revisions on a consistent basis will dramatically improve their chances of success.
Ideas to help you prepare and study for your upcoming spring finals:
Rewrite your class notes to aid memory and to create new notes with key points that will be important for the exam. This is an appropriate method for most subjects
Try not to cram. Create a feasible timetable for studying and allocate no less than two hours for each subject.
For math classes the most effective way to study is to re-do problems. Don’t just re-read your notes.
For subjects like Biology, Chemistry and History, reviewing your text, and re-reading your notes are very important and the best way to prepare yourself for your finals.
If you study best in a noise free environment, make sure you have no distractions (young siblings) place a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on your door.
If you study best in a noisy environment, listen to music that is not distracting; something that you are unable to sing along with is best.
Make sure you take regular breaks; take the dog for a walk, exercise, or do a house chore. The purpose of a break is to take you mind off studying and help you to feel refreshed and awake.
Get a good night’s sleep the night before your exam.
Guest columnist
Exams are a fundamental process in enabling students to learn. They provide feedback for student and teacher alike: for the student what you know and don’t know; and, for the teacher how to add or revise content to improve students learning. Tests are also used in employment certification, armed forces and many other fields. Exams can be used to test our knowledge and aptitude in subject areas, to meet certification standards for employment or military service, and, most importantly for college students to identify the areas that need work and ensure placement in classes suited to your ability. Society needs exams to test knowledge and exposure and to ensure a good fit between people and their career goals.
The process of preparing for examinations varies from person to person in the way they work, study and allocate time. There are many different learner types and approaches to taking tests. In general these can be divided into three categories. These include:
The Doers - those students who are eager to work when they have a chance. As soon as an exam is set or an opportunity to revise work is announced, they will start straight away and don’t stop until all work is finished. These are the people who will normally achieve higher scores. When taking an exam, they sometimes finish first but are normally the last ones to finish an exam. They usually take time to review their answers and make sure they have done everything they can. Doers tend to have an idea of were their life is heading. The dictionary definition for doer is “somebody who takes action instead of just thinking or talking about it” (Microsoft dictionary).
The Procrastinators are those people who are interested in their work but lack either motivation or self-discipline and, so, end up leaving studying to the last minute. They often regret delaying and wish they handled it differently. They are well-intentioned but frequently indecisive and waste time writing long action plans/lists or thinking about how to tackle a revision. Slowly but surely time starts to run out and nerves set in. Time passes quickly and before they know it test day is upon them. They are left with one day before the exam and have no other choice than to cram. Sometimes this strategy works, but unpredictably.
The Time wasters are people who do little or nothing. They find revision to be a waste of time and effort. Alternatively, they are distracted by something more interesting. Often they don’t understand the significance of studying for exams and how studying on a systematic basis can improve their performance and educational progress. They take their exams and hope for the best.
Depending on the timing and material covered by an upcoming exam, most of us, have at some point or another, exhibited some combination of these three approaches to preparing for an exam. Clearly, however those employing the first approach to exams and revisions on a consistent basis will dramatically improve their chances of success.
Ideas to help you prepare and study for your upcoming spring finals:
Rewrite your class notes to aid memory and to create new notes with key points that will be important for the exam. This is an appropriate method for most subjects
Try not to cram. Create a feasible timetable for studying and allocate no less than two hours for each subject.
For math classes the most effective way to study is to re-do problems. Don’t just re-read your notes.
For subjects like Biology, Chemistry and History, reviewing your text, and re-reading your notes are very important and the best way to prepare yourself for your finals.
If you study best in a noise free environment, make sure you have no distractions (young siblings) place a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on your door.
If you study best in a noisy environment, listen to music that is not distracting; something that you are unable to sing along with is best.
Make sure you take regular breaks; take the dog for a walk, exercise, or do a house chore. The purpose of a break is to take you mind off studying and help you to feel refreshed and awake.
Get a good night’s sleep the night before your exam.