Page 232 - Keys To Community College Success

■ Examine old tests, if the instructor makes them available. You may find old tests
in class, online, or on reserve in the library. Old tests will help you answer ques-
tions like:
● Do tests focus on examples and details, general ideas and themes, or a
combination?
● Are the questions straightforward or confusing and sometimes tricky?
● Will you be asked to apply principles to new situations and problems?
Experience is a great teacher when it comes to test taking. After taking the first
exam in a course, you will have a better idea of what to expect from that instructor
over the rest of the term.

What materials should you study?
With your understanding of what you need to know for the test, you can decide what
to study.
■ Sort through materials. Go through your notes, texts, related primary sources,
and handouts. Choose what you need to study, and set aside materials you
don’t need.
■ Prioritize materials. Arrange your chosen materials in order of priority so that
you focus the bulk of your time on the information you most need to understand.

Use Time Management Strategies
to Schedule Study Time

Want to be as ready as possible for a test? Don’t wait until the night before to study for
it, and don’t assume that paying attention during class time is enough. The most effec-
tive studying takes place in consistent segments over time. Use time management skills
to lay out a study schedule.
■ Consider relevant factors. Note the number of days until the test, when in your
days you have time available, and how much material you have to cover.
■ Schedule a series of study sessions. If you need to, define what materials you will
focus on for each session.
8 ■ Enter study sessions in your planner. Do this ahead of time, just as you would for
CHAPTER a class, a work commitment, or any other important appointment. Then stick to

your commitment.

Use Goal-Setting Strategies
to Complete Your Plan
Here again, the skills you have built will prove essential to your success. Make getting
ready for a test a SMART goal by making it:
■ Specific. Get clear on what you will be tested on and what you need to study.
■ Measurable. Acknowledge what you accomplish each study session.
■ Achievable. Stay up-to-date with your coursework so that you can feel confident
on test day.
■ Realistic. Give yourself enough time and resources to get the job done.
■ Time frame. Anchor each step toward the test in your schedule.
A comprehensive study plan will help you work SMART. Try using a plan like the
one in Key 8.1. Consider making several copies and filling one out for each major test
you have this term. You may prefer to create your own version, perhaps using Key 8.1
as a model and modifying it according to your specific needs. Format your version on
a computer so that you can print out copies.

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