Study Skills - Test Taking Strategies (Eastern Illinois University)

Summary

This 30-minute workshop by the Student Success Center at Eastern Illinois University provides students with essential strategies to improve their study habits and perform better on exams. It covers both ineffective study practices, like cramming and distractions, and effective techniques such as daily reviews, flashcards, and forming study groups. The session also introduces a 7-day study plan to help students prepare gradually, offers specific tips for different types of exams (multiple-choice, true/false, and essay), and provides test-taking strategies to boost performance. The workshop encourages students to seek help when needed and emphasizes the importance of consistent preparation for academic success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cramming the night before a test is ineffective and leads to poor performance.
• 😀 Distractions such as TV, noisy areas, and group study sessions can hinder your ability to retain information.
• 😀 Regular review of class material (daily) is essential for long-term retention and success in exams.
• 😀 Flashcards are a great tool for reviewing and testing yourself on key concepts throughout the semester.
• 😀 Studying in a quiet, consistent environment helps your brain focus and perform better.
• 😀 Break your study time into chunks (e.g., 45 minutes of study, 15 minutes of break) to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
• 😀 Start studying for an exam at least 7 days in advance to allow sufficient time for thorough review.
• 😀 Proper sleep (at least 6 hours) before an exam is critical for optimal brain performance.
• 😀 Eat a light meal before your exam, but avoid studying on a full stomach to prevent fatigue.
• 😀 Trust your initial instincts when answering multiple choice and true/false questions to avoid second-guessing.
• 😀 Preparing for essay tests involves anticipating potential questions, creating outlines, and proofreading your answers before submission.

Q & A

What are some of the worst ways to study for a test according to the presentation?

The worst ways to study include cramming all night long, studying in a noisy environment with distractions like TV, and waiting until the last minute to study. These methods lead to poor retention and performance.

Why is cramming a bad study strategy?

Cramming is bad because it overwhelms the brain with too much information at once, making it difficult for the brain to retain the material. Just like an athlete needs consistent training, the brain needs time and repetition to learn effectively.

What study habits should you adopt to perform well in exams?

Effective study habits include reviewing notes daily, using flashcards to test yourself, studying in a distraction-free environment, and anticipating potential exam questions. It’s also important to study regularly, not just before the test.

What are the benefits of studying in a quiet environment?

Studying in a quiet environment helps eliminate distractions, allowing you to focus more fully on the material and retain the information more effectively.

What is the 7-day study plan, and why is it effective?

The 7-day study plan involves starting your study sessions at least 7 days before an exam, studying for 2 hours each day. This method helps reinforce the material over time, preventing last-minute cramming and improving long-term retention.

What is a common misconception about seeking help from tutors?

A common misconception is that students will be judged for needing a tutor. However, seeking help is a smart decision, not a sign of weakness. Tutors help clarify difficult material, just as professional athletes seek coaches.

Why is it important to get enough sleep before a test?

Getting enough sleep is crucial because your brain needs rest to function optimally. Without sufficient sleep, your ability to recall information and perform well on the exam is compromised.

How can you prepare for different types of tests like multiple-choice, true/false, and essay exams?

For multiple-choice tests, use the process of elimination and trust your first choice. For true/false tests, focus on key qualifying terms like 'always' or 'never'. For essay exams, anticipate possible questions, outline answers, and proofread your work.

What should you do if you encounter a difficult question on a test?

If you encounter a difficult question, mark it with a star, move on to the next questions, and return to it later. Spending too much time on a tough question may cause you to miss easier ones.

Why is it important to avoid looking for patterns in true/false questions?

Looking for patterns in true/false questions can mislead you, as professors don’t create tests with hidden patterns. Each question should be considered individually.