"PREPARING FOR A TEST" WORKSHOP - MTH1130

How do you prepare for a test?
What do you do (or not do) the night before a test?
What has helped you in the past?
What should be avoided before a test?
Here are some excellent observations and suggestions from students in my MTH1130 (math) class - well done, folks!

Link to MTH1265 Students' Suggestions
Back to Greg's Homepage

WHAT WORKS?

• a good night's sleep
• breakfast
• review / board work
• apply math to practical life
• study in a quiet place
• studying with classmates
• coffee!
• actually do some practice problems on a daily basis
• good attendance
• address problems promptly before they snowball
• find an isolated, quiet place with good lighting
• repetition (out loud if necessary)
• review practice problems
• paying attention
• more practice problems
• don't panic!
• give yourself practice problems
• mock test - or make one up yourself
• don't over study (brain overload)
• get help
• don't wait until the night before

WHAT DOESN'T WORK?

• cramming
• not keeping up on work
• over studying
• worrying
• skipping/missing class
• being tired
• not knowing info
• not paying attention
• staying up all night
• not asking for help
• not doing reviews
• stressing out
• poor attendance
• not eating and sleeping properly
• bad attitude
• panic
• falling behind
• not being prepared

SPECIFICALLY, FOR MATH TESTS?

• teach someone else
• getting help if you need it (tutor, teacher, on-line)
• be prepared
• do reviews
• be on time - JUST SHOW UP!
• have correct tools (sharp pencil, eraser, ruler, calculator)
• testing yourself (at home)
• make time for studying
• stay ahead
• get stronger on questions before you move on
• pay attention
• know your formulae
• continuous review
• eat well
• put forward an effort to study on a daily basis
• do it your own way
• study with someone who knows what they are doing

Link to MTH1265 Students' Suggestions
Back to Greg's Homepage