Students should be aware that CQUniversity's Student Support Centre is a very good source of information about this area.
- Relaxation exercises
It is a good idea to practice relaxation techniques on a regular basis if you find them helpful. If unsure about what effective techniques may be employed, consult the personnel in Student Services.
- Choices regarding what you do
Sometimes you will be given several choices for a question. If you know this beforehand, prepare responses in advance. Remember you will not always be allowed to take this preparation into the exam room.
- Memorising difficult information e.g. formulae and dates
Make a list. Then ten minutes later write it out. Look at what you missed. This is the material that you have trouble remembering (for whatever reason). This is the material on which you should concentrate.
- Memory aids
Make up rhymes, acronyms etc. Condense the information, e.g. Careful Study Improves Results Outstandingly = CSIRO. As you may realise, CSIRO is particularly easy to remember if you are an Australian because it is the name of a government research department (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation).
- Revise in an organised schedule
Gradually intensify your study over the term to make sure all your information stays in long-term memory (otherwise it is probable you will complete your degree and not remember much of it at all). Take note of what you find hard to remember. Study that more often. Make up a schedule.
- Rest if you are stressed
Sometimes people push themselves too hard. Have a good night's sleep before the test. Do the occasional relaxation activity to break your study. Do not break your study schedule too much though.
Just before the test
- Arrive early at the exam room
- Do not go into a test if you are ill.
If you are ill, inform your supervisor and find out what arrangements you need to make so you are not penalised.
During perusal
- Perusal time
Too often people quickly read the paper once and then settle back nervously. Perusal time often is sufficient to read the instructions several times. Read the instructions quickly first and then slowly a second time. Look carefully for any clues that might help you solve other questions and consider test strategies.
- Time
Be aware of time allocation and do not spend too long on questions of which you are unsure. Come back to them later.
- Prioritise the questions
The order in which you answer questions can be important. Do the ones you know how to do first. Of these, do them in order of those worth the highest percentage of marks.
- Often one question will help you work out another
Often information in one question will help you solve another. Look for formulae, references to similar concepts etc.
- Multiple choice questions
Try to avoid excessive haste, but remember multiple-choice questions are a balance between thoroughness and speed. Also remember to find out if the multiple-choice test is 'weighted' (marks are deducted for wrong marks). Do not guess if it is weighted.
During the test
- Keep track of the time
- Revise your questions if you finish early
If you finish really early have a rest and then revise with a fresh mind.
- Tidy up your work
Make sure nothing is illegible or ambiguous. Lecturers appreciate neat, clearly laid out work.
Useful links
