Test-taking Strategies

Session Topics

• Test preparation

• Study techniques

• Increasing your memory

• Test-taking strategies

• After the exam

Test Preparation

• Organize your study materials

• Create a study schedule

• Create a study group

• Find a productive study location

• Assess how well you know information and what resources are available

Study Checklist Organizing a planner Notes, Text, HW

Setting Goals Text

Minizing distractions HW, Notes

Creating a study schedule

Types of Learning Styles Notes, Text, HWHow to apply to studies TextbookMy learning style Lab reportStudy techniques HW, Notes

Cornell Method HW, Notes

3-ring binder Textbook

Organization tips Lab report

Outline format Quizzes

Recitation Notes, Text, HWPractice Lab reportAssociation QuizzesMnemonic Devices HW, NotesMind mapping HW, Notes

Le

arn

ing

Sty

les

No

te-t

ak

ing

Me

mo

ry

Location

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Subtopics/Details P Date

Tim

e

Ma

na

ge

me

nt

Main

Mind Mapping

Test Preparation

• Space out studying (start early!)

• Avoid distractions

• Most important information first

• General, main concepts first

• Study when most alert

• Utilize multiple resources

Predicting Test Questions

• Nature of the test

• Put yourself in the instructor’s shoes

• Look for questions in your notes

• Clues during class

• Quizzes, labs, other assignments

Increasing Memory

• Make it meaningful

• Create associations

• Create pictures

• Write it down

• Questioning

• Recite and repeat

Test-taking Strategies

• Pay attention to verbal instructions

• Scan whole test immediately • Evaluate each section

• Read directions carefully

• Tips for different types of exam questions?

Test Question Format

• Multiple Choice

• True/False

• Short-Answer/Essay

• Creating a test sheet

After the Exam

• Reflect on the exam • How do you feel about the test?

• How effective were your reviews?

• How accurate were your question predictions?

• When test is returned • On what material were the questions based?

• What types of questions were there?

• What questions did I miss?

• How would I prepare differently?

Ellis, Dave. (2013). Becoming a Master Student. Boston, MA. Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Want more advice? Schedule an Individual Consultation

with an ESS Staff Member!

Educational Services for Students (ESS) Strategic • Learning • Experiences

470 Sears Building

216.368.5230 essinfo@case.edu

ess.case.edu