Mp3 Script for Exam Study: Debriefing the Test (AFTER) Preparing for & Taking Tests & Exams at University By the Learning Strategies Development team Queen’s University This is the final part of three presentations on Tests & Exams. In this presentation we focus on what to do after you have written your test or exam. Analyzing the Test Results   Many students don’t review their exams. They figure once it’s over; it’s over. But what these students fail to realize is that the evaluation stage of the learning process is the most critical. It is here that the student can determine where he or she went wrong and what changes are needed in the future.   An additional problem relates to the common practice of not returning final exams. Some students don’t realize they have a right to see their exam paper. Faculty are also culpable when they don’t reinforce the notion that exam papers are available upon request. We recommend you review your exam alone and then with a TA or professor. Determine where you went wrong and what changes need to be made. Look for errors related to: • Test Questions • Answers • Subject • Test-taking Procedures Celebrating Mistakes Most of us fear making mistakes as often mistakes have dire consequences such as lost grades, jobs, money, or relationships. However, taking on a different attitude towards our mistakes at university—one of celebration rather than fear—has many positive outcomes. David Ellis in his book Becoming a Master Student outlines 8 Reasons why we should celebrate mistakes: 1. Celebration allows us to notice the mistake. 2. Mistakes are valuable feedback. 3. Mistakes demonstrate that we’re talking risks. 4. Celebrating mistakes reminds us that it’s OK to make them. 5. Celebrating mistakes includes everyone. 6. Mistakes occur only when we aim at a clear goal. 7. Mistakes happen only when we’re committed to making things work. 8. Celebrating mistakes cuts the problem down to size.   Nurturing Your Body Before, during and after your test or exam, it’s imperative that you nurture both your mind and body. If your physical body is tired, malnourished, or unhealthy, you will struggle with your mental capabilities. Conversely, if your mind is in upheaval, you will be stressed which may lead to sickness. Here are a few thoughts on how to nurture yourself during the exam period. Nurturing Your BODY Get a good night’s sleep. Without sleep, you feel tired. When you feel tired, it’s more difficult to focus and concentration. If you can’t concentrate, you can’t study well. If you can’t study well…Ok, you get the picture! Have Balanced, Healthy Diet You are what to eat. For a student, healthy food equals healthy body which equals healthy mind. Eating a complete diet including lots of “brain foods” will enhance your physical and cognitive well-being. If you’d like information or advice on your diet, call Dial-a-Dietician at 613-549-1232. It’s FREE! The Health Canada website allows people to create their own Food Guide based on your age and gender. Get Regular Exercise Exercise improves blood circulation and the increased blood flow to the brain improves focus and concentration. As well, when exercising, your body produces endorphins, a ‘feel good’ hormone. If you can’t get to the gym regularly, don’t despair. Try using your 5-10 minutes ‘power break’ during study sessions for a brisk walk around the block or go up and down the stairs in the library. Nurturing YOUR MIND Improve Your Concentration & Focus When preparing for a test, study in short spurts, rather than long marathon sessions. Change up the subject area and content regularly so your mind doesn’t get bored. Study the hard ‘stuff’ when you feel most energized. If you get easily distracted, find a quiet safe away from noise and Time Bandits like email, MSN, etc. This might mean you lock your computer for the day! For more information on improving your concentration, go to the TOOLS section of our online READING & NOTE-MAKING module, either the pdf or text-only versions. Motivation Many of us can feel a lack of persistence, self-discipline, or courage in facing a task. Sometimes we feel the pay-off will be worth the effort, and sometimes we aren’t sure. But we can help ourselves act, by considering our own intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. For a list of motivational strategies, see “Manufacturing Motivation” in the TOOLS section of the EXAM module. Click on either the pdf or text-only versions. Have Guilt-Free Play Even when you are in the throws of exam studying, take time for some play—have a coffee with a friend, play basketball, watch a funny movie. Guilt-free play is a reward for studying well, not as an excuse to procrastinate. Procrastination leads to guilt and is therefore counterproductive. This is the end of a three part series on “Tests and Exam”. We hope that after listening to this presentation, you will have some new ideas for improving your test-taking abilities. This is TREVOR LIN signing off. Have a GREAT time studying.