1. Effective study and
examination tips
Prof. Vajira Weerasinghe
Professor of Physiology
Faculty of Medicine
University of Peradeniya
www.slideshare.net/vajira54

2. What is learning?
• Change of behaviour measured in terms of
– Knowledge
– Skills
– Attitudes

3. Examinations
• Written exam
– MCQ (3 min)
• True false, Single best answer
– SAQ (15, 20, 30 min)
– OSPE
– Spots
– Viva
– Clinical Exams

4. Taking Notes
• All good study techniques
start with good note taking
habit
• Knowing how to take good
notes will improve your
ability to study more
effectively

5. The Three Stages of Good
Note taking
• Stage 1 – Get ready to take notes (Before
Class)
– Review your notes from previous lessons
– Complete all assignments and readings before
class
– Bring all needed materials to take notes

6. • Stage 2 – Taking notes (During Class)
– Keep your focus on the teacher
– Listen for signal statements like:
• Most importantly
• Remember that…
• Be sure to include….
– Write quickly
• Use abbreviation
• Place a “?” by things you are not sure about

7. • Stage 3 – Rewrite your Notes
– After class rewrite your notes
• Change abbreviations to complete words
• Change symbols into words
• Change shorter sentences to more complete sentences
– Answer any “?” you had in your notes

8. Study Habits of Successful Students
• Plan your study
• Try not to do too much studying at one time
• Plan specific times for studying
• Try to study at the same times each day
• Set specific goals for your study time
• Work on the assignments or materials that are the most
difficult first
• Review notes before beginning an assignment
• Eliminate distractions during study time
• Call another student for assistance when needed
• Review work daily, weekly, monthly, before semester exam

9. Preparing an Effective Place to Study
• The “Study Place” should always be
available to you
• The “Study Place” should be free from
interruptions
• The “Study Place” should be free from
distractions
• The “Study Place” should have all of the
materials on hand that are needed to study
• The “Study Place” should have a large
enough desk or table
• The “Study Place” should have a large
storage area available
• The “Study Place” should have a
comfortable chair
• The “Study Place” should have enough
light
• The “Study Place” should be kept at a
comfortable temperature

11. Specific Study Methods
There are many methods and techniques
available to use for studying
You will have to decide which method is best
for you depending on:
-your learning style
-the teaching method used
-the course material to learn
-the type of tests used

12. Short Notes

13. Using Flashcards
Flashcards are a very useful tool in learning or remembering information such
as: Vocabulary Words and Meanings, Math Formulas, History Facts, and Correct
Spellings or Words.

14. Strategies on how to use Flashcards
• Make Flashcards as you learn to study
– Carry blank cards with you
– Organize your cards in decks by topic or subject
• Use both sides of a Card when appropriate
– Write words on one side and definitions on the other side
– Flip the cards and learn the information both ways
• Use flashcards in several different colors
– Different colors can cue your answers
• Illustrate the cards
– Draw or cut pictures to place on cards
– The more interesting looking the cards, the less bored one
becomes using them

15. • Do not put too much information on any one
card
– Each card should contain only ONE piece if
information to learn
• Always carry your cards with you
– Review your cards often
– If you always have your card, wasted or wait time
can become learning time
• Change the order of the cards frequently
– You need to learn the information, not which card
or answer comes next

16. You can use online flashcards also one
great site is FlashcardExchange.com
With FlashcardExchange.com you can use the flashcards
you create online In a game format or you can print the
cards or print in a study sheet format.
You have to register on the site, but the general services
of the site are free.

17. Using the Image-Name Technique
• This method is very easy and short and used
for remembering people or places.
Example: remembering Jay Leno
by picturing his protruding, large chin.
Can you Think of an example?

18. Using the ASPIRE System
• A – Approach/Attitude/Arrange
– Approach your studies with a positive attitude
– Arrange your schedule to eliminate distractions
• S – Select/Survey/Study
– Select a reasonable chunk of material to study
– Survey the headings, graphics, pre and post- questions
– Study marking any information you do not understand
• P – Put aside/Piece together
– Put aside your books and notes
– Piece together what you have study and try to
summarize that information yourself

19. • I – Inspect/Investigate/Inquire
– Inspect what you did not understand
– Investigate all available sources of information (textbooks,
online, dictionary…)
– Inquire from support professionals (Librarians, tutors, teachers,
…)
• R – Reconsider/reflect/Relay
– Reconsider the content; what questions would you ask the
author
– Reflect on the material; how can I apply this material
– Relay understanding; how would I make this information more
interesting or easier to understand to other students
• E – Evaluate/Examine/Explore
– Evaluate your grades on tests and assignments and look for
patterns or weaknesses
– Examine you progress on improving weak areas
– Explore options for you with teachers, tutors, other students

20. Using Study Groups
Study Groups can be very beneficial in some situations.
There are Several things to consider when thinking about
using Study Groups:
1. Benefits of a Study Group
2. Starting a Study Group
3. Characteristics of a Good Study Group
4. Pitfalls of Study Groups

21. Benefits of a Study Group
• A support group can be a motivator
• Easier to ask questions from classmates than teacher
• Your commitment might be stronger because the group depends on
all members
• Study groups add a strong auditory aspect to your learning
experience
• One or more group member is likely to understand something that
you do not
• You can learn new study techniques or habit from other members
• You can compare your notes with other students
• Teaching or explaining concepts to other group members will
reinforce your learning
• Face it! Studying can be boring. Study with others can make the
studying more enjoyable

22. Getting a Study Group Started
• Get to know your classmates well before
asking them to join your study group – you
should be able to answer “yes” to each of
these questions:
– Is this classmate motivated to learn?
– Does the classmate understand the subject well?
– Is this classmate dependable?
– Would this classmate be tolerant of other ideas?
– Would you like to work with this classmate?

23. • Invite the correct number of classmates to your Study
group (the best number seems to be between 3-5
students per group)
• Decide how often and how long the Group will meet
each week (best is 2 or 3 times a weeks, and sessions
between 60 and 90 minutes)
• Decide where to meet (this location should be without
distractions)
• Decide on the goals of the Group (goals can include;
reviewing notes, discussing readings, and study for
exams)
• Decide on a leader for the group, and if the leader will
be the same or change each week
• Set an agenda for each meeting including specific
member assignments
• Develop a contact list for the members with all of their
contact information and provide to each member.

24. Characteristics of a Successful Study Group
• Each group member contributes
• Group members actively listen without interrupting each other
• Group members work together to resolve any problems arising
without the group
• Members are prompt and come ready to work
• The group stay on task according to the agenda
• Members always show each other respect
• Members should feel comfortable with constructive criticisms
• Members should feel free to ask questions
• At the end of each meeting, an agenda is set with assignments for
the next meeting
• Above all, a positive attitude that “we can do this together” is
maintained

25. Possible Pitfalls of a Study Group
• Do not let the Study Group get
distraction from the agenda
• Do not let the Study Group
become a social group
• Do not allow members to
attend unprepared
• Do not let negativity slip into
the group
• Do not let one or two
members dominate the group

26. Importance of English
• Read English books
• Read English newspapers
• Listen to TV
• Speak in English
• Write in English

27. Importance of English
• Pay attention to
– spelling
– grammar
– punctuation
– essay composition
– reading comprehension
– speaking ability

28. Examinations
• MCQ
• True/false type

29. Examinations
• MCQ
• Single Best Answer type

30. Examinations
• SAQ

31. Examinations
• OSPE

32. Examinations
• Viva

36. Good luck in your examinations !