Angela Zanardelli
Learning Specialist
Academic Success Center
Wayne State University
au1072@wayne.edu
In this workshop we will…
 Discuss various study strategies
 Review tips for different types of exams
 Recognize and control test-anxiety
Study Strategies-Short-Term Sessions
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Short term study session are highly effective
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If you get an extra 15 minutes, take advantage.
Review your notes or major points of a chapter.
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These short sessions will add up quickly and
allow you to retain, as well as retrieve,
information effectively
Study Strategies- Chapter Questions
• Often times, professors will use “tweaked”
versions of these questions on the exam
 When you know the answers to these questions,
it shows that you have mastered the chapter
 Try making flashcards from these questions
Study Strategies-Group Study
 By combining thoughts, ideas, and information
amongst each other, everyone is guaranteed to
learn more than they would on their own.
 Having this extra information can be crucial
when testing
 Sometimes being with others makes studying
seem like less of a task
Study Strategies-Rewriting Notes
 Rewriting your notes helps ingrain the information into
your head
 It is important that you rewrite your notes as soon after
the lecture as possible so that examples are fresh in your
mind
 Use index cards (flashcards) as a tool for memorization
Tips for Multiple Choice Exams
 First, skim the test to get a feel of the layout and
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what is expected
Next, answer the questions you know first to help
boost confidence
Know what the stem (actual question) and
alternatives (possible answers) of the question
are. Once you understand the stem, the answer
will seem more clear
Try comprehending the stem before viewing the
alternatives
Be sure to be aware of the time and budget it
accordingly
Multiple Choice Exams continued…
 Read the question with each option as if each statement is a
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true/false question
Question answers that do not fit grammatically with the
stem
The correct answer is often the option with the most
information
If there is an “all of the above” option and two or more of
the options fit the question, it is likely that the answer is
“all of the above”
NEVER LEAVE A QUESTION BLANK!
Preparation for True/False Exams
• In all true false questions, look for qualifiers. Words
such as rarely, usually, sometimes, and seldom allow for
exceptions
• Words such as never, always, no, and all indicate no
exceptions
• Mark statements true only if they are true without
exceptions. If any part of the statement is false, the
whole statement is marked false
Preparation for Essay Exams
 This can be where group study comes in handy. More
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ideas lead to more information.
Keep in mind that instead of just memorizing
information, you will have to apply it
Be sure to put an end to any unclear ideas that you have
by asking your professor specific questions.
Essay exams are graded on content as well as grammar
and writing style
Proof read essays and be sure you are clear about the
ideas you’re expressing
Preparation for Math Exams
 Consider Math a foreign language- it must be practiced
 You cannot rely on memorization when studying
mathematics…again, you must practice!
 Math is threatening subject for many, reduce preparation
anxiety by being relaxed and comfortable when you study.
 Come to the test site prepared with extra pencils, erasers,
and a do NOT forget your calculator
Math Exams continued…
 Make a study sheet with all formulas and know how to
calculate each one
 Write formulas in margins of exam as soon as it is handed
to you
 Always check work for mistakes
 Utilize all of the time given for the exam
Preparation for Science Exams
• Be sure to know all formulas discussed in class and how
to calculate each one
 Learn the key terms in the book. These are the bold
faced words that are defined within the chapters
 If there is lab work involved, understand the proper
safety precautions to take
 Also, measurement skills are essential with lab work
Preparations for Science Exams Continued…
 Illustrations in the text provide a visual understanding
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of the information and are often found on exams
Review and rework homework problems
Tip- if something is mentioned in the lecture as well as
the textbook it is almost definitely going to be on the
exam.
If something is in the lecture there is a 75% chance it
will be on the exam
If it is in the book only, there is a 25% chance that it will
be on the exam
Why do we have test anxiety?
 Due to an intense fear of failure
 Some get anxious because they see anxiety in peers who
are taking the exam as well. Anxiety can be highly
contagious!
 The main reason for test anxiety is lack of preparation
How to recognize test anxiety
 Everyone experiences anxiety in different ways
 In most cases, anxiety causes students to lose
concentration when they need it most
 A feeling of hopelessness or panic may come over the
test taker
 Most commonly, the anxious test-taker’s mind draws a
blank and the information that they once knew
become difficult to retrieve
How to beat test anxiety
 First and foremost, be mentally prepared for the exam.
 Do not forget writing utensils, erasers, calculators for
math and stats exams, and reading glasses if necessary
 Be sure you are well rested so that you are mentally alert
 A healthy meal before the exam will nourish your brain as
well as body
Beating test anxiety continued…
 Give yourself an attitude adjustment
 Going into an exam with a negative attitude can
be detrimental
 You can become frustrated resulting in “giving
up”
Beating test anxiety continued…
 When arriving at the actual exam, be sure to
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arrive early to avoid rushing
Find a seat that is not near the exit as to not be
distracted by those finishing before you
Do not pay attention to what others are
discussing
When you receive the test, skim through the
exam to see what is expected of you
Finally, take a deep breath, think positive
thoughts, and begin the exam
References
 Educational Video Network. (1996). Testing: Become a Top-Notch
Test-Taker. Educational Video Network. Huntsville, Texas.
 PALC Java Quizzes. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16th, 2006 from
http://palc.sd40.bc.ca/palc/index.htm
 Reducing Test Taking Anxiety (n.d.) Retrieved March 16th, 2006 from
www.testtakingtips.com
 Richardson, J. (2006). Ahead of the Pack. Delmar Learning. Clifton
Park, New York.
 Studying Tips. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20th, 2006 from
http://www.soundfeelings.com/free/studying.htm
 Ways to Reduce Math Anxiety (1997-2006). Retrieved March 20th,
2006 from http://www.mathpower.com/reduce.htm
 DCLAE Exam Preparation Strategies. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27th
2006 from
www.drexel.edu/dclae/academicresources/exam_taking/learn.htm#
TF
 Biology Learning Center Strategies. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28th,
2006 from www.ch.cornell.edu/campus/learn/study20%skills20%
content/biotips.com