Exam Prep-20 minute test prep and course matrix

I love the 20 minute test prep it really helped...at first I must admit, i was alittle skeptical about "studying" after each of my classes, but i have found that it has proven to be quite useful. It forces me to actually think about what just happened in each lecture and it allows me to evaluate if i would be able to answer that type of question on a test or not. I feel like it allows me to summarize more and come up with themes that could appear on future tests.

The course matrix helped me because i feel like it has influenced me to relaize what type of learner I am. I started looking at the larger scope of the class and it made me start to think about what i have to do in order to succeed in the class. I really think that the course matrix was good because it evaluates the course which enables you to make the choices of what you need to do and in what manner you need to do it in order to doing the best that you can in the course. 

When my recitation teacher for CRS 183 announced a quiz for Friday, March 4th, my brain already started to get jumbled. We had read so much ancient text and taken so many notes, I didn't know where to begin! However, this was no surprised to me. This was pretty much how every single test or quiz woul

d go for me. I would hear about the exam, think about how much material I had to study, and barely give it my best shot because it just wasn't worth it, or didn't seem like I was able to put all the information into my head. This time, I decided to take this exam head on, and do my best to tackle the information. First, I approached my teacher afterone of the lectures. I confirmed the date and materials needed for the exam. Although I already knew this from the faculty interview project, I also made sure the format of the exam was still essay questions. Now that I was completely sure of what to expect on the exam, I prepared a source outline. This is something I would never have expected to do, however I found it extremely helpful. I looked through the syllabus and wrote down every article or reading from the packet we needed to do for the class. I color-coded it in rainbow sharpies, because I know that I remember cert

ain information better when I see it in color, rather than just on a page with blacktext.

Next, I filled in which notes from lectu

re fit with which article. This way it would be easy for me to match the information I got from my teacher to what we needed to read outside of class. It also clumped information together, s

o it seemed less overwhelming. Next, I made a topic outline. This is a sort of condensed version of the s

ource outline. I put the different readings into topics and ordered those topics from bulkiest to lightest in the amount of stress we put on that subject in class. This helped me prioritize the information and made it clear what I needed to spend the

most time on, or spent time on first. Now that I've finished my source and topic outlines, I feel way more prepared to study for this quiz. I know that I have all the information I need to study,

and have shown myself that it is not an overwhelming amount. I haven't taken the quiz yet, but I have a great feeling about it.

NSD 225 Exam

Name: Mayra Najera Date: Feb. 25, 2010

SCREAM! I never attended class & now a final exam? Shaking my head! I can see the disappointment in my mother’s eyes. I will bring shame to the family’s name...

STOP! I have an overnight exam strategy that has worked wonders. Firstly, I want to make it clear that procrastination is never the answer. I own the procrastination title and I have faced terrible situations. I highly recommend everyone to stop the procrastination once and for all! I know that it is hard, but here is a step that will help you prepare for an exam, if done correctly two weeks in advance. Or, if you are running out of time, try it my style: studying two nights before. But, for best results, you need time to complete the entire process. I took a NSD 225 exam, this past Tuesday, and experimented with this strategy firsthand. I anticipated the questions that could possibly appear on the exam. Therefore, I was semi-prepared for the exam. I did not feel confident, due to the short amount of time I spent studying, but I was pleasantly surprised when I saw at least ten of my questions on the exam. The only thing that I would change from my mini-experiment is to start two weeks in advance.

Anticipating Test Questions:

1. Carefully study your syllabus/ study guide/ powerpoint slides or any other resource provided by the professor. Check if more time is spent on a subject; expect multiple questions on the exam regarding this subject.

2. Listen carefully for questions the instructor asks in class. Write them down on your notebook.

3. Write a number of questions that you think your professor will ask on the exam; add the questions your instructor asked in class.

4. IMPORTANT: Attend your instructor's office hours to ask if your anticipated questions represent the type of information that you will be tested on. The instructor's feedback is essential, because it will determine the quality of your question.

Test Preparation Mini-Experiment

Now, it is time to examine if the technique (anticipating test questions) worked for you. 1) Make a chart similar to the one illustrated on this page. 2) Label the columns: Course, Major Source of Information, How You Use the test Preparation Tools, Why You Choose to Use That Test Prep Tool and Results of Using the Test Prep Tool. 3) Reflect on how this strategy helped you or not.

My next exam is on April 12, 2011.

I WILL BE READY!

When it comes to study environment, my favorite place I think of is my bed. It’s warm, comfy, around my hall of friends, and I can even fall asleep in it and it would be totally normal! However, it does not serve as the best study environment in the world. Or anywhere. I finally broke down and admitted that to myself, and decided to approach my study environment a bit differently. First of all, I needed to decide what I needed to study. You might think this wouldn’t matter, but it certainly does, at least for me. It helps to imagine myself studying that particular subject in a particular area in order to decide if that is the right place to go. The first subject I did this with was my CRS 183 class. I had a quiz that friday and needed to look over my notes and use my study guide.

My dorm window happens to overlook the entire campus, which I love. (If you do don’t have this, you can use a map.) So, I glanced out my window and went through the different buildings on campus. There were some places, such as the main library, which would work for many people. I, however, don’t like studying in the library at all. It makes me feel uncomfortable and anxious with everyone studying in the silence. I looked at the Life Sciences building. I remembered I had a class there last semester, and there was a big seating area with comfortable chairs. But, they were right next to huge windows which would distract me, plus all the people walking in and out of class would be a huge distraction. Also, I would constantly get out and buy something else from the cafe. So I would gain twenty pounds and not have studied for my test. Bad idea. I then looked at Whitman, the School of Management Building. I remembered on the tour, my tour guide (who wasn’t in the business school) told my group that whenever he needed a quiet place to do work and study, he went to Whitman and studied in one of the lounges, or even in the lobby, because it was so quiet and a great place to concentrate. I had never tried that, so I decided to give it a chance. I took my books and my study guide and headed to Whitman, got a snack on Marshall Street on the way, and looked for the quiet study lounges my tour guide told my group about. After asking about fifty people, I finally found my way to quiet study rooms. They were perfect. I don’t think I have ever gotten so much work done in my entire life. Not only did I study for my CRS 183 test, I did work for the next class and started the next paper that was due. I felt great about myself, and even greater that I was able to go back to my bed, and sleep! And not feel bad about doing so either. Whitman worked for me, but a different place might work just as well for you. It’s all about finding a place that suits you, and suits what you need to work on. Once you find that, you’re set. Good luck!

My teacher for my social work class gave us a gigantic paper, in which we needed to read and extremely long article and write a four page paper on the article with insight on each topic that the article addressed. Well, reading is not exactly my strong point, so I don’t usually do much of it. The thought of reading an overwhelmingly long article and trying to remember everything in the article, and then writing a four paged paper seemed both time consuming and hard. This would usually turn me off from doing a good job on the assignment, or sometimes even doing the assignment at all. But I decided to conquer my intent to do so and looked to the Dues and Dos Organizer. I started by writing out dates where I had to do a part of the assignment. I split up the reading to about every other day and made sure that by the end of those days I would be done with the article. This took about eight days. I looked at the eight days and saw I had to read so frequently and this overwhelmed me a bit, but I got through it and by the end of the eight days I was finished with the article. It also helped to spread the reading out because I was able to retain information in little bits at a time, so it stuck in my head. Seeing that I was able to get the reading done gave me the confidence to write myself due dates for the rest of the time I had to do the project. My assignment is not due yet, however I don’t even look at it that way anymore. I gave myself little amounts to do over a fairly long period of time. This way, I will never sit at my desk and look at a huge assignment and feel as if I need to do it all in one sitting, or two sittings. I haven’t finished the assignment yet, but I have a good feeling about it. My next assignment is to write the introduction to my paper. Knowing that the next time I sit down to work on the project that I only have to write the introduction, the project seems a lot less overwhelming. Writing down the times that I need to do the reading worked well, so I am almost positive this paper will turn out well. I’m extremely proud of myself for cutting right into my problem or procrastination and feeling overwhelmed before a big paper or test, and found myself a solution, so far

Problem Solving-"Ranking The Task" & "One Step at a Time"

The first problem solving method that I tried was Ranking the Task. Overall I think that this method was very effective and forced me to do the more important tasks before the less important ones or the ones that were due at a later date. This method helped me alot because when looking at all of the different things that I needed to complete for my math class it overwhelmed me, but once I ranked each item by its importance and thought about when it needed to be completed by, it made everything on my list alot more organized. And once I started finishing tasks, my list started to seem alot more doable for me to accomplish.

The next problem solving method that I chose to try was the "One Step at a Time" method. I think this was also a good solution to trying to fix a problem that is going on in my life. It forced me to look at the consequences of my problem and forced me to think about what action I needed to execute in order to achieving a solutiton for my issue. 

ONE STEP AT A TIME Problem Consequences Possible to Do’s Will Do 1. Not doing my journal or tech assignment on time. 1. Lose credit 2. Only get partial credit 1. Speak with the professor or TA 2. Do both assignments just hand them in late 3. Ask if there is an alternative assignment or project that I can do for extra credit 1. Complete both of the assignments and speak to the professor or TA about getting maximum credit.

Umm... Ill Do It Later...

Don’t you always feel like your schedule is always full? One thing pilling on to another and on to another, it can be so overwhelming. I know personally I feel like my list of to-dos is always full and when I get to the bottom I always need to make another one. If this is you, you need to look at Ranking Priorities. Ranking Priorities is a problem solving strategy that helps people categorize the multiple tasks and responsibilities that they have to complete. I really like this method because it not only applies to my academic life it also applies to my day-to-day schedule and duties.

Not only is this method effective but it also is easy to use. Firstly you create a list of everything that needs to be done. Then rank the items according to: A= absolutely essential, B= important, C= optional. After that all you need to do is then group the A’s, B’s and C’s and apply numbers to the tasks within the groups of the A’s, B’s and C’s (such as A1, B6 and C2). Finally the most difficult part, ACTUALLY COMPLETE THE TASKS!

For me personally this method really works because I am a visual learner. So having this list in a very structure and visually organized way helped me complete my tasks and see what I actually have to-do. This is also good for me because writing things down multiple times helps me to remember. Therefore, because of this I use the format above and I repeat it on post-its and place them all over my room and planner so that I cant lose focus.

Have you ever been sitting in your room, knowing you have an assignment or a test that has to be done or studied? However, you still feel the need to catch up on old TV shows you missed or go out with your friends? While both of the alternates seem more appealing that doing your work many fail to see the consequences to not getting your stuff done. A great strategy that I discovered that I connected whilst using Ranking Priorities is One Step at a Time. This strategy is great again for those visual learners like myself as it provides all the elements of a difficult situation. 

From looking at the picture you can see how I used this visually organized chart to see how the problem would have consequences and then the possible do’s and will do’s. Below I also added pictures of how I used methods to avoid failing my design history test (such as my elaborate PowerPoint notes and my spiral notecards from the 20 min test prep). 

Problem Solving

Ranking Priorities

This week I did the "Ranking Priorities" I did it a little different though, I ranked my priorities for each day. Instead of just using it in just one class I used it in all my classes for that week. I found this strategy to be very effective, it worked for me because I used the sticky notes on my computer and every time I got on my computer I saw what I had to do and when it was due. I chose to do this strategy because it organized everything that I had to do and instead of everything being cluttered together it was spread out and it doesn't seem so overwhelming. To do Ranking Priorities you look at your schedule and see what you have to do, then you rank it A B or C. A = Absolutely Essential B = Important C = Optional go through your schedule and do that for all your classes. It makes it a lot easier to get things done. I really like this strategy and I and going to continue to use it because this works for me.

Change Option ScheduleTest

I really like "COST" this strategy was effective because organized everything and it gets me focused on whats going on with me in school and my personal life. I used this for everything all my classed, because I wait until the last minuet to do a lot . This strategy gives me a game plan and keeps me on my toes because when I test to see if there is any progress and if there isn't i have no one to blame but myself. Overall I like both of these strategies, I think that they are going to be my favorite. They are quick and easy but very effective.

let’s fix eddy!

The Dance Dance Revolution King is on fire! This dude's name is Eddy Jones, Syracuse University freshman, found at the Carousel Mall studying for his biology test. Eddy became frustrated with the poor quality of his notes and decided to play a round of Dance Dance Revolution to release his stress. Eddy's mission at the mall was to find a study environment that is: quiet, clean, convenient and free of distraction. Little does he know that on campus there are several study areas that fit his needs.

problem: Ineffective Notes

solution: PowerPoint Notes

Professors post PowerPoint slides on blackboard for the students to print and bring to class. This is a sneak peak of the lecture and an opportunity to earn participation points. This is what you do: 1) Print the slides using the handout option. 2) Before class, read the slides and write two questions that you would like answered in class. 3) During class, take notes on the lines next to the correct slide. DO NOT COPY THE SAME INFORMATION FOUND ON THE SLIDE. 4)Check if your questions where answered by the professor. Note: Participate in class, by asking your questions. 5) Reread your notes and the slides. 6)Make index cards for important concepts presented in class.

SAMPLE OF POWERPOINT NOTES:

The PowerPoint Notes technique prevents you from wasting time rewriting the same material. Instead, you can use your powerpoint slides as a skeletal of your notes and just add extra information from lecture. Reviewing the notes before class shows positive benefits. You can formulate questions and have a better understanding of the information being presented by your professor. This technique proved to be effective in the course NSD 225: nutrition in health. This class is three hours long:5:30PM-8:30PM. My major concern is that too much information is presented at once, but this technique helped me focused on listening for new information.

problem: Ineffective Notes

solution: Jeopardy Note-Taking

The Jeopardy Note-Taking system is recommended for writing intensive courses or courses that require essay exams and papers. UTENSILS NEEDED: A notebook or a binder with loose leaf paper & a pen/pencil. This is what you do: 1)Write your notes ONLY on the right-hand side of the notebook or binder/loose leaf paper, but don't forget to skip a line to separate important points.Leave the left-hand side blank. 2) After class, reread tour notes. 3) Create a question that you think might be on the exam and write on the left-hand side directly across from the answer found on the right-hand side. 4)Use the questions as a study guide. Before the next lecture, review the questions and recite the answers.

SAMPLE OF JEOPARDY NOTE-TAKING:

The Jeopardy Note-Taking method was the reason why I received an 85% on a quiz. NOTE #1 I crammed the night before. NOTE #2 Cramming is NOT recommended. I learned that this technique can serve as a tool for last minute studying or if I am crunched on time.

ADVICE TO ALL THE EDDYS' OUT THERE: PICK A NOTE-TAKING METHOD AND CHECK OUT A CUBICLE AT BIRD LIBARY, THE BRIGHT ROOM IN THE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LIBRARY OR GRAB A VANILLA LATTE AT STARBUCKS ON MARSHALL ST. AND READ A BOOK WHILE YOU SIP AWAY!

The Strategies!- Fritter and D's Do's, Due's and.... donts!!

In general I feel I have the most difficulty with time management. The organizing portion of my calendars/planners/folders is not the difficult part  (although time consuming), the hardest part of time management is actually sticking to the restrictions I set for myself (especially when I know deep down the project is not due for another couple weeks). When I heard about the Fritter finder and D’s Do’s and Due’s I was intrigued to try the methods as it is so close to the old method I used to use to organize my stuff but far more efficient.

Fritter Finder:

For the Fritter Finder I started by printing out my weekly schedule from MySlice. Next I added in other things that occupy time in my week (such as work and eating). After that I highlighted in pink the free time I have. From calculating all of my time I figured out that I have approximately 13 extra free hours a week (excluding the weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday). From this I have allocated that I am going to be doing my majority of my work on Wednesday morning and Friday (all day) as I don’t have class on Fridays. 

The Fritter Finder really helped me realize that I need to stop procrastinating all the time I have on the weekend (thinking I have time to do I t during the week) because realistically I do not have enough time during the week to complete all of my assignments. Also by completing all of my work on the weekend I would be able to relax more during the week and if there was an assignment I wanted to re-do or work more on I would have time for it.

D’s Due’s and Do’s Organizer:

This is was by far the most time consuming of all of the Time Management strategies. To begin with I laid out all of my syllabuses on the table and highlighted all of the assignments that were Due. Then I added those Due dates to my weekly calendar along with my monthly calendar and color co-ordinate depending on the class. Then from that the major projects (as I am an art student) I referenced the open studio hours and broke my entire monthly project me into four depending on open studio hours so that I could place them all in a separate column for when I needed to Do it.  

After completing D’s Due’s and Do’s Organizer I decided that I did not like this method of Time Management. To begin with it was way to time consuming I spend way more time on organizing than on the actual projects. I believe that the Due’s portion of this Task Management is effective but for me personally I believe that  the Target planner is a better visual break down for me.

Time Management

Before taking this CLS class I didn't know what kind of learner I was I would sit at a table or my desk and just read for hours then try and test my self and realize that I didn't retain anything, and I couldn't understand why. But after being in this class for the last couple of weeks I now know I was not retaining anything, better late than never right ? LOL. I learned that I am a visual and oral learner so I cannot sit and read to myself I have to real out loud and then it will stay wit me.

This class as also taught me sever

al strategies to deal with my procrastination. I'm the type of person that will not do something unless I'm told to do it, but the strategies that I learned in class this week is that extra push that I needed because they are always in my face. I used the target planner but I didn't set it up as target I did it more like a flowing circle.

This way worked better for me because it doesn't seem so close together. I liked this strategy but I didn't love it helped me organize what I had to get done, but I would do this target planner and forget all about it, the only reason I didn't is because we talked about it everyday in class LOL. This is a very useful, but I don't think it would work for me. I used this in my CLS class to organize my due dates for the Faculty Project.

The second strategy that I use was the FRITTER FINDER I really liked this because I look at my schedule everyday and see how much free time I have. My earliest class is at 11:00 but I wake up at 9:30 so that I can do any last minuet work and eat breakfast. I like the FRITTER FINDER because I will always have this free time for the remainder of the semester.

Both of these strategies are good but the FRITTER FINDER is my favorite !