YES, THEY ARE SOME SPECIFIC STEPS TO FOLLOW IN REVIEWING FOR A TEST. YOU MAY FIND SUCCESS IF YOU FOLLOW THE LOTSQ STRATEGY, A BASIC STRATEGY DESIGNED FOR ALL COURSES. COMPLETE EACH STEP IN A TIMELY MANNER AND SEE IF YOUR TEST SCORES IMPROVE.
STEP ONE - LIST
List the major topics for the entire course(if a comprehensive exam) or for the chapters over which you will be tested. Scan all of your materials: textbook(s), notes, handouts, outside readings, returned quizzes, other assignments.
STEP TWO - ORGANIZE
For each topic, organize your information with a summary or an outline of the material. Or construct a map of the major concepts. You should be looking for connections among topics and/or concepts.
STEP THREE - TIME
Plan your study time. Those topics/concepts which are easy for you or more familiar to you will obviously need less review time. The difficult topics/concepts may require more time. For example, if you are having problems with a certain concept in an accounting class, you may need to work several practice problems until you have mastered the concept. Plan your time accordingly.
STEP FOUR - SPACED REVIEW
Use the concept of "spaced review." This term means that your review does not happen from midnight to 6 a.m. on the day of the test. This is called a spacey review. You may remember some of the material but your chances of recall in the future are very minimal.
Rather you study a small amount over a period of time. Spaced review is more effective because you are encountering the concepts repeatedly which increases retention.
STEP FIVE - QUESTIONS
Develop potential test questions. Yes, you can think like an instructor.
For Introductory Courses:
You may have many terms to memorize. These terms forma specialized vocabulary which is the foundation for the discipline. But professors often do not want a mere listing of definitions. You may need to apply the definition or identify terms in a diagram or picture.
For Advanced Courses:
Most professors will assume that you have a basic understanding of the subject's terminology. Therefore, your potential questions will require more than memorization. You may need to relate concepts, compare and contrast ideas, apply formulas or procedures in new ways or scenarios. In some cases, you may need to argue for or against an idea or justify a concept. Your questions need to show that you can both analyze and synthesize the material.
Return to Test Taking Strategies