GOALS OF THE SESSION
 Pre-test
 During the test
 Post-test
 What if’s
 Test taking strategies
 How to reduce test anxiety
GROUP ACTIVITY
Please provide us with your thoughts
• What should one do before the exam?
• What should one do during the exam?
• What should one do after the exam?
BEFORE AN EXAM
 Ask your Professor/T.A. Questions
Ex: Type of exam?
How many questions?
What chapters does the exam cover?
 Prepare physically
Sleep
Eat
Exercise
 Prepare mentally
 Prepare emotionally
DURING AN EXAM

Arrive at least 10 minutes early

Write your name on all test materials

Read ALL of the directions carefully

Maximize your time

Analyze, ask, and stay calm

Ask your professor/T.A. questions for
clarification when needed
AFTER AN EXAM
 Review the test for grading errors
 Understand your errors – ask questions!
 Go to office hours to discuss further
 Review your preparations – add more time if needed
• My professor doesn’t/won’t tell you the type of exam to expect
• You miss your exam
• You don’t understand a question
• A question wording is confusing
• You have a time-conflict
• Can you think of any other ‘what if’ scenarios that we can work
through together?
RESOURCES
Final Exam Schedule:
http://www.fau.edu/registrar/schedule/FinalExamSchedule.php
Testing Center:
http://www.fau.edu/testing/
Tutoring and SI:
http://www.fau.edu/CLASS/
Up OWL Night:
http://www.fau.edu/class/SICurrent/UpOwlNight.php
TYPE OF EXAMS
M U LT I P L E C H O I C E
E S S AY / S H O R T A N S W E R
 Elimination is the key!
 Budget your time
 Take advantage of the cues within the
question:
 Create an outline first
 Absolute words (e.g. always, never, only) are often
incorrect (but not always).
 Not, except, and but – the most inclusive answer is
often correct
 Read the first part of the question and
predict the answer prior to reviewing
choices
 Avoid second guessing
 Identify and use the key task
words in each question
 Do not write overly complex
responses
TYPE OF EXAMS
T RU E / FA L S E
 Every part of a true sentence must
be true
 Questions containing always,
never, and only tend to be false
 The terms often and frequently
suggest that it might be true
 Treat all questions independently
– avoid second guessing
O P E N B O O K / TA K E H O M E
 Exams are usually more difficult!
 Allow yourself plenty of time for completion
 Create notecards that contain relevant
information
 Mark your notebook/textbook for easier
accessibility:
Page numbers
Colored tabs
 If essay – answers need to be comprehensive
TYPE OF EXAMS
ORAL
 Dress accordingly
 Turn off your cell phone
 Maintain good eye contact and
posture
 Seek clarification if you do not
understand the question asked
 Speak in complete sentences
 Include visual aids if possible
 Practice by talking in front of a
mirror, tutor, friends and/or family –
use questions that you believe will
be asked
M AT H - B A S E D
 Make estimates for your
answers
 Show all work and write legibly
 Answer the easy questions first
 Do not erase work, even if your
answer is incorrect
 If needed, make a picture
 Write all formulas on margin or
scrap paper for later use at
start of test
TYPES OF TEST ANXIETY
 Anticipatory
Experience anxiety while preparing for the test
 Situational
Experience anxiety during the test
Symptoms of both types include:
Mental distraction
Physical discomfort (e.g. Nausea, cramps, tension)
Inability to recall material
A flood of negative thoughts regarding the test material
TEST ANXIETY REDUCTION
 Ask Questions!!!
 Create a positive environment
 Breathing – stay in the moment
 Take care of your body – your mind will benefit
 Visualization
 Progressive Relaxation
HELPFUL VIDEOS
Before, During and After:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrgNyDH3HrQ
Multiple choice:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm3Jq4JYTEI&feature=related
Essay Exam:
(Part 1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uraHllrHjvA
(Part 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z73tswpuek&feature=relmfu
Math Exams:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8mbcXPeq_E
Stress Relief Info and techniques:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8p06Oa0VGY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=FniXv5Q1-aI
For permission to use this presentation, please email access@fau.edu