Preparing for finals Dr Michelle Reid Study Advice

Preparing for finals Dr Michelle Reid, Study Advice michelle. reid@reading. ac. uk Economics 15 Jan 2014

The good news! You have done exams before so: • Familiar with university-style exams • Have already developed strategies for revision and in exam room • Hopefully know your preferred ways of learning • Know the areas you want to work on www. reading. ac. uk/studyadvice 2

Which best describes you when preparing for exams? “Perfectly planned Polly” “Laid back Larry” Are you planning to adapt your existing exam strategies for your finals – if so, why? www. reading. ac. uk/studyadvice 3

Adapting your strategies • Allowing enough time for revision • Ensuring the right balance between modules • Not trying to cover / memorise absolutely everything • Using past papers and doing more practice • Managing nerves • Not comparing self to others / doing a post mortem! www. reading. ac. uk/studyadvice 4

Difference between finals and exams in other years • Looking for deeper understanding • Looking for evidence of some wider reading and thinking • More competing demands on your limited time www. reading. ac. uk/studyadvice 5

What to do now • Check for any gaps in your understanding => get support sooner rather than later • Organise your notes and materials – know where to find things when you need them • Block off time for small amounts of regular practice / reading • Keep on top of your coursework – need time for revision over Easter • Maintain or start any relaxation strategies • Develop your understanding steadily as you go www. reading. ac. uk/studyadvice along 6

Who can help • Study Advice - feedback, dissertations, exam prep – Study guides – One-to-one sessions – Seminars • The final push: completing your dissertation Wed 29 th Jan, 2. 00 -3. 30 pm, Carrington 101 • Succeed in your finals Wed 5 th March, 2. 00 -3. 30 pm, Carrington 101 www. reading. ac. uk/studyadvice Library, first floor (room 103) www. reading. ac. uk/studyadvice 7

Who can help • ASK Adviser for Economics - Antonia Fernandez – Drop in hours: Thursdays 1. 30 -3. 30 pm and Fridays 9. 0010. 00 am in Hum. SS 190 • Lecturers / Tutor – Help with subject-specific questions / how to fill gaps in understanding – See office hours www. reading. ac. uk/studyadvice 8

Maintaining health and motivation Dr Alicia Peña Bizama, Student Wellbeing m. a. penabizama@reading. ac. uk Economics 15 Jan 2014 © University of Reading 2006 www. reading. ac. uk

Tips to keep healthy • Maintain a regular routine – sleep, meals/healthy food • Take breaks on a regular basis (10 min) • Drink water/fluids to keep hydrated • Exercise (walking, stretching) • Connect with others • Improve your stamina by keeping fit www. reading. ac. uk/studyadvice 10

Tips to maintain motivation • Focus on learning rather than the outcome • Visualise learning each step of the task …see it happening, think of possibilities of things working out • Challenge thoughts of worst case scenarios – focus on what you are learning • Challenge thoughts of failure – think about learning opportunities. No one is perfect. • Remind yourself you are making regular efforts and do what you can each day • Be your best friend – be kind and understanding www. reading. ac. uk/studyadvice 11

Tips to get things done • Break tasks down into small steps – start with the easier one • Identify distractions and pre-plan what you can do when these appear so that you are able to focus on your work • Identify things you want to do (eg. talk to friends, check Facebook, etc) and use these as rewards • Focus on the things you are doing – not on what is left to do www. reading. ac. uk/studyadvice 12

Resources • Life Tools talks (increasing concentration, preparing for exams) • Counselling and Wellbeing (Peer Supporters) • Leaflets - www. reading. ac. uk/counselling www. reading. ac. uk/studyadvice 13

Good luck in your finals! www. reading. ac. uk/studyadvice 14