S-8 Study Skills Workshop
Now Try This
1.Create a study schedule using the guidelines given above.
2.Read the Preparing for a Testhandout at http://www.cengage.com/math/tussy.
3.Read the Taking the Testhandout at http://www.cengage.com/math/tussy.
4.After your test has been returned and scored, read the Analyzing Your Test Results
handout at http://www.cengage.com/math/tussy.
5.Take time to reflect on your homework and study habits after you have received your
test score. What actions are working well for you? What do you need to improve?
6.To prepare for your final exam, read the Preparing for Your Final Examhandout at
http://www.cengage.com/math/tussy. Complete the action items given in this document.Taking a test does not need to be an
unpleasant experience. Use your time
management, organization, and these test-
taking strategies to make this a learning
experience and improve your score.
Make Time to Prepare. Schedule at least
four daily 1-hour sessions to prepare
specifically for your test.
Four days before the test:Create your
own study sheet using your reworked notes. Imagine you
could bring one sheet of paper to your test. What would you write on
that sheet? Include all the key definitions, rules, steps, and formulas that were discussed in
class or covered in your reading. Whenever you have the opportunity, pull out your study
sheet and review your test material.
Three days before the test:Create a sample test using the in-class examples from your
notes and reading material. As you review and work these examples, make sure you
understand how each example relates to the rules or definitions on your study sheet. While
working through these examples, you may find that you forgot a concept that should be on
your study sheet. Update your study sheet and continue to review it.
Two days before the test:Use the Chapter Testfrom your textbook or create one by
matching problems from your text to the example types from your sample test. Now, with
your book closed, take a timed trial test. When you are done, check your answers. Make a
list of the topics that were difficult for you and review or add these to your study sheet.
One day before the test:Review your study sheet once more, paying special attention
to the material that was difficult for you when you took your practice test the day before.
Be sure you have all the materials that you will need for your test laid out ahead of time
(two sharpened pencils, a good eraser, possibly a calculator or protractor, and so on). The
most important thing you can do today is get a good night’s rest.
Test day:Review your study sheet, if you have time. Focus on how well you have
prepared and take a moment to relax. When taking your test, complete the problems that
you are sure of first. Skip the problems that you don’t understand right away, and return to
them later. Bring a watch or make sure there will be some kind of time-keeping device in
your test room so that you can keep track of your time. Try not to spend too much time on
any one problem.8 12 11
7 Prepare for the Test
Image copyright Cristian M, 2009. Used under licensefrom Shutterstock.com