CREATING A EXAM STUDY PLAN Key to Success

CREATING A EXAM STUDY PLAN Key to Success

In-Session Exercise ◦ We want to take some time now to have you sketch out a term-end study plan ◦ Develop a "To Do" list of all the things you have to do between now and the end of the semester. The list should include academic work like papers, projects, finals, social obligations, etc. ◦ Assign a priority to each item. ◦ Record the due date. ◦ Make your plan for accomplishing each task. Take about 5 -7 minutes and we’ll discuss the results

The Seven Day Study Plan Day 1 ◦ Review all of your class materials including notes, problems, homework, etc. and divide them into three categories based on your level of understanding of the subject matter: ◦ A = Low Understanding. . . This category requires the most attention – B = Moderate Understanding. . . Requires targeted attention – C = High Understanding. . . Requires a review to stay current Once you have completed your assessment, create a study schedule for the remaining days Disclaimer: This is not just a method to study at the end! It counts on the fact that you have been keeping up with each class.

The Seven Day Study Plan (2) Day 2 ◦ Thoroughly review all the material in Category A ◦ Identify the concepts that are most difficult for you and target those areas for specific action ◦ View your material from as many angles as possible ◦ ◦ Review the notes and practice problems Use a sample test if available Explore internet resources Ask yourself questions about the material ◦ If there areas that still remain difficult, reach out to the teacher or a classmate the next day ◦ Don’t stress if after this first day you don’t understand everything. . . You will be coming back to this material

The Seven Day Study Plan (3) Day 3 ◦ Repeat the instructions for Day 2, this time reviewing your Category B material ◦ You will likely need less time for this material so earmark about ¾ of your study time to Category B ◦ Use the remaining time to address any Category A issues that remained from Day 2 Day 4 ◦ Repeat instructions for Day 2, this time reviewing your Category C material ◦ Again earmark about ¾ of your study time to Category C ◦ Use the remaining time to address any Category B issues that remained from Day 3

The Seven Day Study Plan (4) Day 5 ◦ Review thoroughly all of your material from Categories A, B and C ◦ From your previous work you will know the areas to concentrate on, but don’t neglect the areas you feel are most comfortable ◦ Record any areas that still remain difficult after the Day 5 Review Day 6 ◦ Review all of your material from Categories A, B and C ◦ Pay closest attention to any trouble areas ◦ Also start to assemble any materials you will need for the exam (books, formula sheets, etc. ) Day 7 (day before the exam) ◦ Conduct a final quick review and run through some remaining problems in the trouble areas ◦ But limit your studying so you can rest. . . If you followed the plan you are not going to learn new content the day before