Exams are high-stakes. In many classes, semester grades hinge on 3-4 major tests. This 50-minute lesson improves exam preparation through a deliberate approach. An overview of the 5-day study plan, a proven approach to exam preparation, is provided; in addition, active study strategies are introduced. These strategies can increase learning and retention of material beyond just rote memorization.

Objectives

• Recognize the importance of a systematic approach to test-preparation
• Understand cognitive processes of learning
• Apply the 5-day study plan
• Identify learning preferences and favored learning environments
• Identify learning levels required by course/exam
• Create study materials appropriate to learning preferences and knowledge level
• Apply active learning strategies
• Employ strategies to minimize test anxiety
• Create a 5-day study plan
• Learn to apply the 5-Day Study Plan to prepare for multiple exams at one time
• Conduct a Post-Test Analysis to adjust Exam Preparation strategies for future tests.

Instructor resources

Sufka, K. J., (2018). The A Game: Nine Steps to Better Grades (pp 29-71). Oxford, MS: Nautilus Publishing.

Pauk, W., and Owens, RJQ. (2008). How to study in college (pp. 265-303). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.http://college.cengage.com/psychology/bernstein/essentials/4e/assets/students/succeed/ch_01.pdf

Summary of actions

• (Slides explain the basic concepts covered in this lesson.)
• Introduce the concept of studying as a systematic process with best practices derived from cognitive psychology and education research.
• Ask students to describe their study routines (possibly an in-class activity to consider for a few minutes, then discuss in groups).
• Explain information processing/how learning works optimally, as described in the slides.
• Explain Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve (see slides) and how regular review at increasing intervals helps us avoid it.
• Explain how Bloom’s taxonomy can help students know at what levels of learning they should be studying.
• Ask students what kinds of study materials they might create for application, analysis, evaluation, synthesis, creation.
• Introduce and explain the 5-day study plan. This video (3:55) may help.
• Model the 5-day study plan.
• Have students in groups or individually do the Making and Using Study Materials activity.
• Discuss as a class or in groups th difference between making and using study materials.
• Have students fill in the 5-day study plan matrix.
• Discuss how students might study for more than one exam in the same week or on the same day.
• Discuss and explain how to use a Post-Test Analysis to adjust future Exam Preparation. You might find this video (3:54) useful as a way to explain post-test analysis. 

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