A STUDY GUIDE FOR COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE EXAMINATION?
According to the graduate catalog, the purpose of the comprehensive examination is "to
enable the graduate student to integrate the course work of a specific program and to be
able to illustrate its application in professional settings." The Early Childhood and
Family Studies faculty views the examination as an experience that gives students the
opportunity to demonstrate, in writing, their skills in analysis, synthesis, and evaluation as
they address problems, issues and trends that require them to call upon the knowledge
gained during their studies. The exam affords students leeway to address problems and
issues from a variety of perspectives.
WHEN SHOULD I TAKE THE EXAMINATION?
The examination may be taken anytime after the satisfactory completion of 21 graduate
credits and all the required courses in the student’s option. It must be taken and passed
before students can enroll in Advanced Seminar I (EC5598).
HOW OFTEN IS THE EXAMINATION GIVEN?
The examination is always given twice yearly, once each semester. It is scheduled by the
Office of Graduate Studies, usually on the first Saturday in November and the last
Saturday in February. The dates always appear on the Academic Calendar found in the
appropriate Registration Bulletin. The EC/FS Department usually schedules a third exam
in June. This has been done to accommodate students who are taking prerequisite
courses during spring semester and need to complete the exam to be eligible for EC5598
in the fall.
MUST I REGISTER FOR THE EXAMINATION?
Yes. A registration form for taking the examination must be filed with the Office of
Graduate Student Services in Townsend Hall at least three weeks prior to the examination
date. Deadline dates for filing are noted on the Academic Calendar in the Registration
Bulletin. They are also posted by the EC/FS Department.
IS THERE AN EXAMINATION FEE?
No.
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HOW LONG DOES THE EXAMINATION LAST?
It begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 1:00 p.m. At the request of students the
exam time was extended by one hour when the use of computers was initiated a few years
ago. Students are free to leave whenever they have completed the examination.
WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE EXAMINATION?
Currently, the examination consists of one question. (Sometimes two questions are
presented and students can choose which one to answer.) Students are asked to answer the
question in a manner that demonstrates their mastery of the material covered by their
chosen MA Option (Administration, Advanced Curriculum, or Classroom Instruction (P3)). The question has several parts, all of which must be answered completely.
Responses to the question are to be presented in coherent essay form. Computers are
used, and exams are saved on disc in addition to being printed out.
WHO PREPARES THE EXAMINATION?
The examinations are prepared by the graduate coordinator, in consultation with the
EC/FS Department Graduate Committee, comprised of faculty who teach courses in the
graduate program.
WHO MARKS THE EXAMINATIONS?
All examinations are read by three department faculty members who teach courses in the
graduate program.
WHAT ARE THE EVALUATION CRITERIA?
Organization and coherence of response with all parts of
the question addressed
Writing mechanics - grammar and spelling
Application of theory and research
Reflection
l5 points
l5 points
35 points
35 points
Organization
The answer should follow a logical sequence, be specific and coherent, and
remain focused on the question asked. All parts of the question must be
answered.
Writing Mechanics
The answer will be examined for accuracy in usage, spelling and grammar. The
writer should check to see if the intended meaning is clear, sentences are
complete, punctuation is correct, references are clear, nouns and verbs agree, etc.
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Application of the literature
The answer must reflect the writer's thorough knowledge and understanding of the
content of the current literature. All parts of each answer must contain clear,
specific, appropriate, and accurate documentation, drawn from the writer's
knowledge of research, theory, and current practice.
Reflection
The answer should demonstrate students’ mastery of higher order thinking skills;
and ability to reflect on their own learning. There should be evidence of insight
derived from in-depth analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of complex ideas.
WHAT GRADES ARE GIVEN?
Examinations are graded as follows:
Pass with commendation: 90-100 points - To receive this score, a student must
write a truly outstanding answer on the chosen question, satisfying each of the
criteria at a very high level.
Pass: 80 - 89 points- satisfying each of the evaluative criteria at an acceptable
level.
Pass with condition: 70 - 79 - Students who receive this usually "fall short" on one
or more of the evaluative criteria, so that the examination readers are not fully
satisfied that the question has been addressed as well as it should be. When this
occurs the student must meet with the graduate coordinator, who will point out the
area(s) of concern and devise a strategy for removing the condition. Students who
receive this grade may not register for Advanced Seminar until the condition is
removed.
Fail: 69 points or lower - A "fail" is given when a student's responses are judged
inadequate or insufficient on any combination of evaluation criteria.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL THE EXAM?
Students who fail the test are permitted to take it a second time, usually at the next
regularly scheduled examination period. If they fail a second time the exam may be taken
again ONLY with special permission of the graduate coordinator and the Dean of the
College of Education.
HOW SOON WILL I KNOW MY TEST RESULTS?
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Examinations are read as soon as possible after the examination date. Obviously how
quickly they can be read depends upon a number of factors, but students should expect to
receive their results within four (4) weeks. Notification will be by correspondence from
the Office of Graduate Student Services.
WHO RECEIVES THE TEST RESULTS BESIDES ME?
Exams are identified only by assigned code numbers, so that readers do not know whose
comp they are evaluating. Results are recorded by the graduate coordinator, using code
numbers only and are forwarded to the Office of Graduate Student Services where code
numbers are matched with students’ names. That office notifies students of the result by
letter and sends the EC/FS graduate coordinator a results list with students’ names
included. In summary, the only persons who receive the test results are the student, the
graduate office advisor, and the graduate coordinator, who then shares the composite
results with the Graduate Committee.
WHAT SHALL I BRING WITH ME TO THE EXAMINATION ROOM?
You need not bring anything with you, and indeed should not bring anything except
possibly a writing instrument. Sometimes students are asked to bring a summary of their
course analysis forms with them. If that is the case, students who have registered for the
exam will be notified beforehand by a letter with special instructions. Computers,
pencils, scratch paper, and CD’s are provided. Having a watch can be helpful.
WHERE WILL BE THE EXAMINATION BE GIVEN?
A few days prior to the examination you should receive a letter from the Office of
Graduate Studies advising you where to report (usually to a computer lab in Hennings
Hall or CAS). The proctor/computer technician who has been assigned to your room will
arrive between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. to sign students in, distribute exams, give instructions,
etc. The proctor will remain with you throughout the morning.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE EXAMINATION?
Students have used a number of strategies to get themselves ready. Suggestions they have
made include:
l. Reviewing course notes and assignments prepared for all courses.
2. Completing a Course Analysis Chart for each course taken. The Course
Analysis Chart Template and Example are attached. Microsoft work versions of
the template are available from the graduate coordinator on request.
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3. Forming study teams with other students in the program and reviewing
together.
4. Writing test questions from your reviews and preparing outlines of answers to
those questions.
5. Keeping up to date with the current literature by reading journals such as
Young Children or The Early Childhood Research Quarterly.
IS THERE A RECOMMENDED READING LIST?
No. The objective is to "put to work" the knowledge gained while in the program - not to
do additional reading for the “sake of the exam.” Obviously students are encouraged to
draw on all sources of knowledge available to them, but this is not meant to suggest they
should suddenly undertake a program of new readings hoping to "hit upon" something
they might use for the examination.
HOW CAN I PREPARE AN EXAMINATION THAT MERITS
COMMENDATION?
The answer to this depends a lot upon what you're comfortable doing, but for many
students some of the following suggestions have proven helpful.
l. Read all of the questions carefully, then select the one you feel you are best
prepared to answer..
2. Read the question again, making certain you know what the problem is and
what's being asked of you.
3. On scratch paper outline points you want to be certain to make and note the
names of relevant authorities and their contribution.
4. Formulate a "writing plan" in your mind or on scratch paper making certain it
addresses all parts of what is being asked.
5. Write - referring back to your notes occasionally to make certain you're
addressing everything you intended to and that what you're writing "fits" the questions
asked.
6. Keep track of the time - making certain you're allowing yourself enough time
to answer all parts of the question (following steps 2-5) and to reread your responses,
making minor changes or comments.
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7. Keep your cool! Don't panic! You have four hours; use it wisely and well. If
you "block" give yourself a couple of minutes break and refer back to your outline as a
resource.
ARE THERE "OLD" EXAMINATION QUESTIONS I CAN SEE FOR
PRACTICE?
No. The best preparation is to carefully complete the Course Analysis Charts, go over
them, and review your own learning during the graduate program.
WHAT OTHER ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE?
Sometimes students organize a review group In the event that such a group is formed, the
graduate coordinator is available, upon request, to meet with to help organize and get the
process started
Updated 8/06 by M. Kelly
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