Effective study and examination tips

Prof. Vajira WeerasingheProfessor of Physiology

Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Peradeniya

What is learning?

• Change of behaviour measured in terms of – Knowledge– Skills– Attitudes

Examinations

• Written exam– MCQ (3 min)• True false, Single best answer

– SAQ (15, 20, 30 min)– OSPE– Spots– Viva– Clinical Exams

Taking Notes

• All good study techniques start with good note taking habit

• Knowing how to take good notes will improve your ability to study more effectively

The Three Stages of Good Note taking

• Stage 1 – Get ready to take notes (Before Class)– Review your notes from previous lessons– Complete all assignments and readings before

class– Bring all needed materials to take notes

• Stage 2 – Taking notes (During Class)– Keep your focus on the teacher– Listen for signal statements like: • Most importantly• Remember that… • Be sure to include….

– Write quickly• Use abbreviation• Place a “?” by things you are not sure about

• Stage 3 – Rewrite your Notes– After class rewrite your notes• Change abbreviations to complete words• Change symbols into words• Change shorter sentences to more complete sentences

– Answer any “?” you had in your notes

10 Study Habits of Successful Students

• Try not to do too much studying at one time • Plan specific times for studying • Try to study at the same times each day • Set specific goals for your study time • Start studying when planned• Work on the assignments or materials that are the most

difficult first• Review notes before beginning an assignment• Eliminate distractions during study time• Call another student for assistance when needed • Review work daily, weekly, monthly, before semester exam

Preparing an Effective Place to Study• The “Study Place” should always be available to

you • The “Study Place” should be free from

interruptions • The “Study Place” should be free from

distractions• The “Study Place” should have all of the

materials on hand that are needed to study • The “Study Place” should have a large enough

desk or table• The “Study Place” should have a large storage

area available • The “Study Place” should have a comfortable

chair • The “Study Place” should have enough light• The “Study Place” should be kept at a

comfortable temperature

Specific Study Methods

There are many methods and techniques available to use for studying

You will have to decide which method is bestfor you depending on: -your learning style-the teaching method used-the course material to learn-the type of tests used

Short Notes

Using FlashcardsFlashcards are a very useful tool in learning or remembering information suchas: Vocabulary Words and Meanings, Math Formulas, History Facts, and CorrectSpellings or Words.

Strategies on how to use Flashcards

• Make Flashcards as you learn to study – Carry blank cards with you– Organize your cards in decks by topic or subject

• Use both sides of a Card when appropriate– Write words on one side and definitions on the other side – Flip the cards and learn the information both ways

• Use flashcards in several different colors – Different colors can cue your answers

• Illustrate the cards – Draw or cut pictures to place on cards– The more interesting looking the cards, the less bored one becomes

using them

• Do not put too much information on any one card – Each card should contain only ONE piece if

information to learn• Always carry your cards with you – Review your cards often– If you always have your card, wasted or wait time

can become learning time• Change the order of the cards frequently – You need to learn the information, not which card

or answer comes next

You can use online flashcards also one great site is FlashcardExchange.comWith FlashcardExchange.com you can use the flashcards you create online In a game format or you can print the cards or print in a study sheet format.

You have to register on the site, but the general services of the site are free.

Using the Image-Name Technique

• This method is very easy and short and used for remembering people or places.

Example: remembering Jay Leno by picturing his protruding, large chin. Can you Think of an example?

Using the ASPIRE System

• A – Approach/Attitude/Arrange– Approach your studies with a positive attitude– Arrange your schedule to eliminate distractions

• S – Select/Survey/Study– Select a reasonable chunk of material to study– Survey the headings, graphics, pre and post- questions– Study marking any information you do not understand

• P – Put aside/Piece together– Put aside your books and notes– Piece together what you have study and try to summarize

that information yourself

• I – Inspect/Investigate/Inquire– Inspect what you did not understand – Investigate all available sources of information (textbooks,

online, dictionary…)– Inquire from support professionals (Librarians, tutors, teachers,

…)• R – Reconsider/reflect/Relay

– Reconsider the content; what questions would you ask the author

– Reflect on the material; how can I apply this material – Relay understanding; how would I make this information more

interesting or easier to understand to other students• E – Evaluate/Examine/Explore

– Evaluate your grades on tests and assignments and look for patterns or weaknesses

– Examine you progress on improving weak areas – Explore options for you with teachers, tutors, other students

Using Study GroupsStudy Groups can be very beneficial in some situations. There are Several things to consider when thinking about using Study Groups:

1. Benefits of a Study Group 2. Starting a Study Group 3. Characteristics of a Good Study Group 4. Pitfalls of Study Groups

Benefits of a Study Group• A support group can be a motivator• Easier to ask classmates questions• Your commitment might be stronger because the group depends on

all members• Study groups add a strong auditory aspect to your learning

experience • One or more group member is likely to understand something that

you do not• You can learn new study techniques or habit from other members• You can compare your notes with other students • Teaching or explaining concepts to other group members will

reinforce your learning• Face it! Studying can be boring. Study with others can make the

studying more enjoyable

Getting a Study Group Started

• Get to know your classmates well before asking them to join your study group – you should be able to answer “yes” to each of these questions: – Is this classmate motivated to learn?– Does the classmate understand the subject well? – Is this classmate dependable? – Would this classmate be tolerant of other ideas?– Would you like to work with this classmate?

• Invite the correct number of classmates to your Study group (the best number seems to be between 3-5 students per group)

• Decide how often and how long the Group will meet each week (best is 2 or 3 times a weeks, and sessions between 60 and 90 minutes)

• Decide where to meet (this location should be without distractions)

• Decide on the goals of the Group (goals can include; reviewing notes, discussing readings, and study for exams)

• Decide on a leader for the group, and if the leader will be the same or change each week

• Set an agenda for each meeting including specific member assignments

• Develop a contact list for the members with all of their contact information and provide to each member.

Characteristics of a Successful Study Group• Each group member contributes• Group members actively listen without interrupting each other • Group members work together to resolve any problems arising without

the group • Members are prompt and come ready to work • The group stay on task according to the agenda• Members always show each other respect• Members should feel comfortable with constructive criticisms• Members should feel free to ask questions• At the end of each meeting, an agenda is set with assignments for the

next meeting • Above all, a positive attitude that “we can do this together” is maintained

Possible Pitfalls of a Study Group

• Do not let the Study Group get distraction from the agenda

• Do not let the Study Group become a social group

• Do not allow members to attend unprepared

• Do not let negativity slip into the group

• Do not let one or two members dominate the group

Importance of English

• Read English books• Read English newspapers• Listen to TV • Speak in English • Write in English

Importance of English

• Pay attention to – spelling– grammar– punctuation– essay composition – reading comprehension– speaking ability

Examinations

• MCQ

Examinations

• SAQ

Examinations

• OSPE

Examinations

• Viva