Motivation and Learning Strategies for College Success : A Self-management Approach

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TAKING EXAMS 275

recordings)? When did I use these methods? How and when

did I monitor my progress to determine if my new test-

taking strategies were working? What changes, if any, did I

make along the way?

Strategic-Outcome Monitoring. Did I attain the goal(s) I set

for myself? Have the modifications in my test-taking strate-

gies improved my academic performance? What strategies

were the most and least effective? What changes, if any, do

I need to make in the future?

2. Analyze a Response to an Essay Question

Directions: Using the criteria for writing an essay exam, review the

following question and evaluate the quality of the student’s response.

Question: Identify and explain the factors that distinguish

successful from less successful learners.

Successful learners can be distinguished from unsuccessful learners

in three ways. The first difference is goal setting. The second differ-

ence is how they plan and organize their studying. The third differ-

ence is how they prepare for and take exams.

Successful learners establish long-term and short-term goals that

direct their behavior. This helps them maintain their motivation as

they attempt to reach their goals.

Successful learners realize that learning is best accomplished by

planning and using different study skills. Rather than leaving things

to the last minute, successful learners allocate sufficient time each day

to read chapters, answer questions, and work on large projects. For

example, if the assignment is to write a history term paper, success-

ful learners dedicate time to obtaining the materials, allowing enough

time to read and understand them, and writing the report early

enough to allow enough time to edit the report.

Successful learners also plan for and take tests in a systematic

manner. They allocate time for study. They realize that tests that are

very important or difficult require more time and effort than easier

exams. Therefore, they use different study methods to learn the

material. Also, before they begin answering exam questions, they

carefully determine what specific information is asked for in each

question.

In summary, successful learners take charge of their own learning.

They set goals, plan and organize their daily tasks, and prepare for

and take exams in an orderly manner. Successful learners are not born,

they learn to be successful.