EXAM PREPARATION
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Wendy's Story: Does this sound like you?
Wendie came to college from a private boarding school where she maintained average and above-average grades. The school was very structured and enforced strict discipline. She studied a great deal because there was a curfew and "everyone studied because there was nothing else to do." She used to form study groups in each of her courses, and the students would study together throughout the semester. The group members would play a form of jeopardy with each other after they completed a reading assignment. This was a very effective way for Wendie to learn. Writing and continuous repetition also proved to be a powerful method to learn. She would also draw the information she needed to learn in a creative design that helped her memory. Wendie liked to create little mnemonic devices. Each time she walked across campus or sat down to have a cup of coffee, she would use the device to review the information. But that was then and this is now!
Wendy is enrolled in an introductory psychology course. The goal of the course is to introduce students to the foundations of psychology and for them to develop an understanding of basic psychological terminology. The course format is one large lecture and two recitation classes. There is a required textbook, study guide, and course manual. The textbook chapters are approximately 30-40 pages in length. Each week another chapter is assigned. Each chapter is replete with text aids such as chapter objectives, terms in bold print, margin notes consisting of definitions or important concepts, topics and sub-topics clearly identified by headings and subheadings, and a summary and review questions at the end.
Wendie's biggest problem right now is with this one particular course but it is the same fore each in each of other courses. When it is time to study or review for an exam, Wendie has her textbook, lecture notes, lecture outlines, and study guide chapters. she never looks at the lecture outlines until she is ready to study for an exam, and when Wendie rereads her notes they are useless.
Now, Wendie is a freshman and overwhelmed with all the freedom she has in college. She chooses to devote most of her time to a sorority, a swim team, and other activities. Her classes are getting the time that is left over. Her grades so far are a disappointment to her and her parents.
Think about these questions and share your answers!
- What specific strategies might you suggest to Wendie for test preparation?
- Which of Wendie's academic problems have you experienced?
- What learning experiences did you have before college that affect you now?
- How do you determine what you need to do in each of your courses in order to be prepared for exams?
- How do you manage to study for exams when you have multiple sources in the course?