Reducing Test Anxiety

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• Reducing Test Anxiety
• Space out your studying over a few days or weeks
  and continually review class material dont wait
  until the night before and try to learn
  everything the night before.
• Try to maintain a positive attitude while
  preparing for the test and during the test.
• Exercising for a few days before the test will
  help reduce stress.
• Get a good nights sleep before the test.
• Show up to class early so you wont have to
  worry about being late.
• Stay relaxed if you begin to get nervous take a
  few deep breaths slowly to relax yourself and
  then get back to work.

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Reducing Test Anxiety

• Read the directions slowly and carefully.
• If you dont understand the directions on the
  test ask the teacher to explain it to you.
• Skim through the test so that you have a good
  idea how to pace yourself.
• Write down important formulas facts
  definitions and/or keywords in the margin first
  so you wont worry about forgetting them.
• Do the simple questions first to help build up
  your confidence for the harder questions.
• Dont worry about how fast other people finish
  their test just concentrate on your own test.
• If you dont know a question skip it for the time
  being (come back to it later if you have time)
  and remember that you dont have to always get
  every question right to do well on the test.
• Focus on the question at hand dont let your
  mind wander on other things.
• If you still experiencing extreme test anxiety
  after following these tips seek help from your
  school counselor

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Study Skills

• It is best to review the material right after
  class when its still fresh in your memory.
• Dont try to do all your studying the night
  before the test instead space out your studying
  review class materials at least several times a
  week focusing on one topic at a time.
• Have all of your study material in front of you
  lecture notes course textbooks study guides and
  any other relevant material.
• Find a comfortable and quiet place to study with
  good lighting and little distractions (try
  avoiding your own bed it is very tempting to
  just lie down and take a nap).
• Start out by studying the most important
  information.
• Learn the general concepts first dont worry
  about learning the details until you have learned
  the main ideas.
• Take notes and write down a summary of the
  important ideas as you read through your study
  material.

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Study Skills

• Take short breaks frequently you memory retains
  the information that you study at the
  beginning and the end better than what you study
  in the middle.
• Space out your studying youll learn more by
  studying a little every day instead of waiting to
  cram at the last minute. By studying everyday
  the material will stay in your long-term memory
  but if you try to study at the last moment the
  material will only reside in your short-term
  memory that youll easily forget.
• Test yourself or have someone test you on the
  material to find out what your weak and strong
  areas are. You can use the review questions at
  the end of each chapter or practice tests the
  teacher may give out as well as other materials.
• Listening to relaxing music such as classical or
  jazz on a low volume can relieve some of the
  boredom of studying.
• Dont study later than the time you usually go
  to sleep you may fall asleep or be tempted to go
  to sleep instead try studying in the afternoon
  or early evening. If you are a morning person try
  studying in the morning.

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Note Taking Tips

• If the instructor writes something on the
  chalkboard/overhead or repeats an idea then it is
  usually a key point and you should write it down.
  
• Try to use a three-ring binder it allows for
  more flexibility in rearranging your notes and
  any handouts that you may receive.
• Try to sit towards the front and center of the
  class where youll be less distracted and can
  hear the professor the best and have a good angle
  on any visual aids that may be shown.
• Dont rely on someone elses notes you may not
  understand everything that they right down and
  youll learn the best by taking your own notes.
• If your instructor talks fast it may help to
  bring an audio recorder and record the lecture
  while taking notes. After the lecture is over you
  can replay the lecture and fill in any parts that
  you missed in your notes.

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Multiple Choice Test Tips-Help

• Read the question before you look at the answer.
• Come up with the answer in your head before
  looking at the possible answers this way the
  choices given on the test wont throw you off or
  trick you.
• Eliminate answers you know arent right.
• Read all the choices before choosing your
  answer.
• If there is no guessing penalty always take an
  educated guess and select an answer.
• Dont keep on changing your answer usually your
  first choice is the right one unless you
  miss-read the question.
• A positive choice is more likely to be true
  than a negative one.
• Usually the correct answer is the choice with
  the most information.
• In All of the above and None of the above
  choices if you are certain one of the statements
  is true dont choose None of the above or one
  of the statements are false dont choose All of
  the above.
• In a question with an All of the above choice
  if you see that at least two correct statements
  then All of the above is probably the answer.

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Essay Test Tips-Help

• Read the directions carefully pay close
  attention to whether you are supposed to answer
  all the essays or only a specified amount (i.e.
  Answer 2 out of the 3 questions).
• Make sure that you understand what the question
  is asking you if not ask your instructor.
• Make sure that you write down everything that is
  asked of you and more. The more details and facts
  that you write down the higher your grade is
  going to be.
• Budget your time dont spend the entire test
  time on one essay.
• If the question is asking for facts dont give
  your personal opinion on the topic.
• When writing your essay try to be as neat as
  possible neater papers usually receive higher
  marks.
• Make an outline before writing your essay. This
  way your essay will be more organized and fluid.
  If you happen to run out of time most
  instructors will give you partial credit for the
  ideas that you have outlined.

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Essay Tips

• Dont write long introductions and conclusions
  the bulk of your time should be spent on
  answering the question(s) asked.
• Focus on one main idea per a paragraph.
• If you have time left at the end proofread your
  work and correct any errors.
• Budget your time if you have an hour to write 3
  essays spend no more than 20 minutes on each
  essay then if you have time left over at the end
  go back and finish any incomplete essays.
• If you arent sure about an exact date or
  number then use approximations (i.e.
  Approximately 5000 or In the late 17th
  century).
• If you make a mistake simply draw a line
  through it it is much neater and quicker than
  erasing it.

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True-False Test Tips-Help

• Usually there are more true answers than false
  on most tests.
• If there is no guessing penalty guess you have
  a 50 chance of getting the right answer.
• Qualifiers like never always and every mean
  that the statement must be true all of the time.
  Usually these type of qualifiers lead to a false
  answer.
• Qualifiers like usually sometimes and
  generally mean that if the statement can be
  considered true or false depending on the
  circumstances. Usually these type of qualifiers
  lead to an answer of true.
• If any part of the question is false then the
  entire statement is false but just because part
  of a statement is true doesnt necessarily make
  the entire statement true.

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Short Answer Test Tips-Help

• Use flashcards writing the key terms dates and
  concepts on the front and the definition event
  and explanations on the back.
• Try to anticipate questions that will be asked
  on the test and prepare for them. Usually what
  your instructor emphasizes in class will be on
  the test.
• Try not to leave an answer blank show your
  work/write down your thoughts even if you dont
  get the exact answer partial credit is usually
  awarded.
• If you dont know the answer come back to it
  after you finish the rest of the test and make an
  educated guess. Other parts of the test may give
  you clues to what the answer may be.
• If you can think up of more than one answer for
  a question ask the instructor what to do.
• Read the question carefully and make sure that
  you answer everything that it asks for some
  short answer questions have multiple parts.

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Cramming Techniques (last resort)

• Cramming for exams should be avoided at all
  costs. You should only cram for an exam as a last
  resort. Its hard to take in and retain a large
  amount of information in a short period of time.
  Some of the tips on studying and preparing for a
  test may over lap with the cramming techniques
  below. Eat some food to give you energy to
  study but try to avoid excess sugar which will
  make you hyper and will make it more difficult to
  study.
• An apple does a better job at keeping you
  focused and awake than caffeine.
• Find a well lit place with no distractions
  around to study but dont get too comfortable or
  you may fall a sleep.
• Keep a positive attitude it is easier to study
  when you are relaxed than when you are stressed
  out.
• Since your time is limited you have to choose
  what you study dont attempt to learn
  everything focus on things that will get you the
  most points on the exam.
• Focus on the main ideas and learn key formulas
  skip the details for now and only come back to
  them if you see that you have time after you have
  learned the key points.

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Cramming (last resort)

• Write down the key ideas/formulas on a sheet of
  paper and keep on studying from that sheet
  repetition is important.
• Highlight the important points in your notes
  and text and focus on that.
• Read the chapter summaries (they usually do a
  good job at summarizing the important points) if
  therere no chapter summaries then skim through
  the text and right down key ideas.
• Study from past tests review questions
  homeworks review sheets.
• Take at least one five minute break an hour so
  that you can gather your thoughts and let your
  brain relax.
• If time permits try to get at least 3 hours of
  sleep (one sleep cycle) before the exam so that
  you dont fall asleep when taking your exam.
  Dont forget to set your alarm!

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Note Taking

• Do reading assignments or homework questions
  before class it is easier to take notes when you
  know what the instructor is talking about.
• Date your notes add titles and subtitles when
  you move onto a new topic for easy referencing.
• Write down any terminology along with the
  definition that the instructor may present.
• Make sure that you write legibly if you cant
  read them later theyll be useless. If you have
  sloppy handwriting it may be wise to type your
  notes so that they are easier to read.
• Compare notes with a classmate to make sure you
  didnt miss any important points.

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TAKING LECTURE NOTES

• BEFORE EACH LECTURE
• Read all assigned material so that you can follow
  the lecture. This will also help with
  procrastination as it is more difficult to get
  motivated to read after the lecture is over.
• Review notes from previous lectures.
• DURING EACH LECTURE
• Come early and sit in front.
• Bring your book if the lecture closely follows
  the text.
• Use an outline format or the Cornell system (see
  below).
• Write the date at the top.
• Listen for cues such as organizing statements
  and transition words.
• Record legibly including both what the lecturer
  says and what is written on the board or
  overhead.
• Include examples in your notes as these will
  help you both understand and remember the
  material.
• Use abbreviations and omit unnecessary words.
• Dont rely on recording a lecture or reading
  someone elses notes. Take notes in class even if
  you do record. When you listen to the recording
  simply add to your base set of notes.
• Dont plan on recopying your notes. If you miss
  something skip a line or two. After class get
  the info from a classmate or the instructor.
• AFTER EACH LECTURE
• The study tip that good students swear by As
  soon as possible after class spend 5 to 15
  minutes going over your notes. Clarify
  summarize and think about the major concepts you
  learned.
• Review your notes frequently both alone and with
  a study group.
• Compare your notes to another students.

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THE CORNELL SYSTEM

• To take notes using the Cornell system rule each
  sheet as illustrated with a 2 1/2 inch margin.
• As you listen to the lecture write your notes on
  the right side of the margin. After class write
  key terms topic headings and questions in the
  left column.
• To study cover the right side and use the
  headings and questions on the left to quiz
  yourself. (This creates the same effect as flash
  cards without the extra work.)

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IMPROVING CONCENTRATION

• REDUCE EXTERNAL DISTRACTIONS
• 1. Find a good place to work -- usually the
  library. While the library may seem almost too
  quiet at first condition yourself to the quiet
  by starting with short periods of study there.
  Other good places to study might include C.C.C.
  or C.I.U. study areas empty classrooms
  department study areas etc. If you are a
  commuter student stay on campus to work during
  the week and on weekends find a library near you
  home to work. Trying to study at home or in a
  dorm room almost invariably leads to endless
  distractions thus prolonging your study time.
• 2. Minimize visual distractions by studying away
  from windows and in a place where you will not
  see classmates walking by.
• 3. Eliminate noise by studying in a quiet place
  without vocal music. While you may have listened
  to music as you studied in high school college
  work requires far greater concentration and part
  of your focus will be lost if you listen to music
  while studying.
• 4. Use appropriate lighting that does not strain
  your eyes.

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Improving Concentration

• DISCOURAGE INTERNAL DISTRACTIONS
• 1. Keep your calendar or to do list nearby as
  you study and record there any reminders to
  yourself or worries that may distract you while
  studying (ie. pick up dry cleaning worry about
  financial aid). By writing these things down you
  can clear your mind for studying.
• 2. Use a concentration scoresheet. Each time you
  find your mind wandering make a check mark on
  the sheet. Within just a few study sessions you
  should find that you have far fewer check marks
  and far greater concentration.
• FIGHT FATIGUE
• 1. Take regular study breaks. Many students find
  that working for 50 minutes and then taking a
  10-minute break is ideal although this varies
  depending on the student and subject matter.
• 2. Find your prime time. For many students one
  hour of daytime study is equivalent to one and a
  half hours at night because their concentration
  level during the day is much greater.
• 3. Get your sleep at night and avoid daytime
  naps lasting more than ten minutes. Concentration
  dips both before and after a nap.
• BUILD A STRONG INTEREST
• 1. Think about why you want to learn about a
  given subject. Scan your textbook chapter and
  think of questions you want to find answers to --
  before actually reading your text.
• 2. Form study groups to make some of your study
  time more lively and interesting.
• 3. If the course and/or reading material is too
  difficult find a tutor or find an alternate
  textbook. Some students like to read a high
  school textbook (ask in the Curriculum Room of
  the Main Library) or a study guide/outline book
  (ask in the bookstore) before reading a really
  difficult textbook.
• Adapted from How to Study in College by Walter
  Pauk.

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READING COMPREHENSION

• To improve your reading comprehension use the
  following 3-step process
• I. PREVIEW
•          Preview the textbook by looking through
  the table of contents to see how the concepts are
  organized. Also look for any study aids such
  as a glossary answer key questions at the end
  of the chapters etc.
•          Preview the chapter by spending 5-10
  minutes scanning the following headings
  diagrams charts terms in bold questions at the
  end summary etc.
•          Think about what you already know
  concerning the topics in the chapter.
•          A preview can help build your interest
  and focus in the text much as a movie preview
  builds interest in a movie.
• II. ACTIVE READING
• HOW TO READ
•          Think of the paragraph or the section
  (3 or 4 paragraphs under a heading) as your unit
  of meaning. Do not reread when you are confused
  about a word or sentence read on. The next
  sentence will often clarify the meaning.
•          If you are still confused at the end of
  a section or paragraph stop at that point to
  reread or to look up important unfamiliar words.
•          For a science or technical book think
  of the charts and diagrams as the heart of the
  text with sentences simply explaining what is
  presented visually.

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Reading Comprehension

• HOW TO MARK TEXTBOOKS WITH MANY HEADINGS
•          Turn the heading into a question and
  read that section to find the answer.
•          Stop at the end of the section and ask
  yourself whats most important that you didnt
  know previously. Either write a note in the
  margin highlight the important ideas or do
  both.
•          Do not mark as you go or you will end
  up marking too much. Hold off marking until you
  finish reading a paragraph or section.
•          Most students find that a combination
  of highlighting and notes in the margin works
  best. Caution when you do highlight mark words
  and phrases rather than whole sentences.
•          Number parts or items (for example 3
  parts of a definition 4 causes of something 3
  requirements etc.).
•          Look at how other students mark their
  texts.

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Reading Comprehension

• HOW TO MARK BOOKS THAT HAVE FEW OR NO HEADINGS
•          Determine your professors purpose in
  assigning the book (look at the syllabus or ask).
  For example the three paperbacks in a history
  class may have been assigned so that you can
  learn how historians work and think not with the
  intention that you memorize dates.
•          Decide whether you should read the book
  quickly or more slowly. Ask the professor or
  simply note how many class meetings are devoted
  to the book.
•          Stop at the end of each paragraph and
  ask yourself the main point. This will help you
  concentrate because you have something to do
  besides moving your eyes across the page. In
  most cases students do not highlight this kind
  of book preferring to write notes in the margin
  or brief notes in a notebook.
•          If you use a notebook do not stop to
  write at the end of each paragraph hold off
  until you have read a few pages.
•          If you will be writing a paper about
  the book include pages references in your
  notebook entries.
• III. REVIEW
•          When you come to the end of a chapter
  or reading session spend 5-10 minutes scanning
  back over the headings and your own markings.
•          Begin to self-test if time allows.
  (Turn a heading into a question and try to answer
  it then look to see if you are right.)
•          Compare your marked text with your
  lecture notes.
•          Consider forming a study group to
  discuss the material with others and to study for
  exams.

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Reading Comprehension

• AN ANALOGY FOR THE READING PROCESS TAKING A
  TRIP
• Preview Look at a map before you go. You need
  to take a look at the whole territory so you will
  understand how one part relates to the others.
  You also need a sense of what you should look for
  on your trip.
• Active Reading Take pictures as you go. These
  pictures (your highlighting or notes) will not
  show the entire trip but will act as memory
  pegs to help you recall your trip.
• Review Look over your pictures and recall
  your trip.
• READING DIFFICULT BOOKS
•          Preview your book by first reading a
  simplified version (a review book or outline
  book a high school text an encyclopedia entry
  etc.) For example if you find that youre
  having trouble reading Kant stop and read a
  brief summary of his ideas and then return to the
  original text. This can help tremendously.
•          If a text is extremely difficult read
  it twice rather than doing a single slow reading.
  (If you read too slowly you may begin to lose
  sight of the major concepts.)
•          Try reading aloud.
•          Get help. Consult with your professor
  or T.A. a tutor or a fellow student.
•          For a long-term solution work on
  building your vocabulary. Take a vocabulary
  course (ASP 092) buy a vocabulary book write
  vocabulary cards or read a more challenging
  newspaper such as the New York Times.

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• I must Create a Systemor be enslaved by another
  Mans
• Wm. Blake 1757 - 1827 English

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SQ3R

• S survey
• Q Question
• R1 Read
• R2 Review
• R3 Recite
•  

• Look over the chapter title headings pictures
  graphs and questions at the end. Look at the
  whole picture to get an idea of what you are
  supposed to learn from the reading.
• Try to figure out what the chapter is about and
  what the teacher might want you to know. Come up
  with several major questions that could be
  answered while you read.
• Think about answering the questions you came up
  with. Try to anticipate what comes next in the
  reading.
• Apply what you are reading to what you all ready
  know.
• Decide what the author is trying to get at. What
  is important to remember Did you answer all the
  questions you had What dont you still
  understand What dont you agree with

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SQ3R Reading Strategy SURVEY

• Look Over the Material You Are About to Read
• Check amount
• Establish manageable units
• Read the title
• Read the introductory material (paragraph)
• Read the boldface headings
• Look at charts graphs maps pictures other
  visuals
• Read the summary paragraph
• Read end-of-chapter questions/topics

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QUESTION Formulate Questions

• Jot down questions you want the text to answer
  based on
• What you know from your survey
• What you already know about the subject
• Turn the boldface headings into questions
• Write out end-of-chapter questions that interest
  you

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READ Read for Main Ideas Supporting Material
Transitions

• Separate main ideas from supporting material
• Delineate specifics of supporting material
• Actively record your comprehension of these
  distinctions by marking your text
• Select a paragraph or short section
• Read and Mark. Stop and Ask.
• What is the main idea
• How is it supported
• What do I need to know from this paragraph

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RECITE Talk out loud or write out the ideas and
supporting material

• Look away or cover the page
• Using your own words say or write the ideas and
  details
• Answer the questions you have formulated
• Look back at the material to check for accuracy
  find the missing information
• Look away and speak/write again

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REVIEW Look over the material immediately
later

• Immediately
• Try to construct a mental picture of the whole
  selection
• Recite the main ideas and answers to your
  questions
• Manipulate the ideas
• speculate
• compare/contrast
• reorganize
• categorize
• Consider the ideas in relation to other things
  you know other selections in the same book or
  other topics
• Make study notes in conjunction with lecture
  notes

• Later
• Go back over
• Marked material
• Answers to questions
• Written recitation notes
• Notes gathered by manipulating material
• Study notes

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SQ3R Website Resources

• The SQ3R Method for Thorough Study West Shore
  Community College The SQ3R Reading Method
  University of St.ThomasSQ3R - A Reading/Study
  System Virginia TechThe SQ3R Method Survey
  Question Read Recite and Review University of
  ArizonaSQ3R Clinton High SchoolSQ3R Duke
  UniversitySQ3R University of Colorado at
  DenverSQ3R Alamo Community CollegeStudy Formula
  SQ3R CSBSJU The SQ4R Method of Study George
  Washington UniversitySQ3R plus Guidelines Access
  ExcellenceThe SQ3R Study System Brockport High
  SchoolReading Methods SQ3R Sweet Briar
  CollegeSQ3R - Survey Question Read Recall
  Review Mind ToolsThe SQ3R Learning/Study System
  University of Arizona SQ3R for Law Students
  Dayton University SQ3R Eden Elementary School