Exam and study skills for university students

1. Exam Skills orna.farrell@dbs.ie

2. Practical information Exam timetable http://www.dbs-students.com/Timetables/Exams.aspx Exam regulations http://www.dbs-students.com/Exams/Default.aspx Past exam papers (on moodle) http://student.dbs.edu/course/category.php?id=50

3. Common questions about exams ????? How long are the exams? How many questions do you have to answer? How are the marks divided? Can you repeat the exam?

4. Common questions about exams ????? Do you have to pass the exam to pass the module? What format are the exam questions? Do you have to reference in an exam? Other questions?????????????????????

6. Your exam history

7. Exam preparation

8. Exam practice

9. Experience of the subject

10. Writing skills

11. Use of time

12. Attitude and approach

16. In particular ways such as essay or short answer

17. At speed

18. From memory

20. Work under time pressure

21. Check your answers after

22. Learn to work quickly in planning, writing and checking answers

26. level of interest in material

27. Distractions

29. Study Techniques A 5 Step Approach Step 1 Review lecture notes Theory + attending fact/example Examine course outline

30. Study Techniques Step 2 Highlight additional key points from core text choose 2/3 critical arguments from authors: ‘flesh out’ lecture notes into an argument based on knowledge and critical awareness Step 3 Store composite notes in a systematic manner

31. Study Techniques Step 4 Use text reduction methods to simplify material mind-maps Spicy nodes

32. Study Techniques Step 5 Familiarise yourself with all aspects of the exam papers Format, marking scheme, language, terminology, question styles

33. Characteristics of good exam essays Answers the precise question set Clear argument/perspective Critical and analytical Structured with good paragraphing Provides reasons based on evidence Refers to theories Is selective Clear and to the point writing style Has been proof-read

34. Common irritations for examiners Answers wrongly numbered Unclear which question student is answering Poor handwriting Long waffley paragraphs Unclear & disorganised layout

35. Further reading Northedge, A. (2008) The Good Study Guide. OU Press. Buzan, T. (2007) The Buzan Study Skills Handbook. BBC Cottrell, S.(2007) The Exam Skills Handbook. Palgrave. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlabrWv25qQ www.skills4study.com