LOOSE ENDS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!
The long Easter break is over, and it’s the last week of class on most campuses. You made it through February. My students and colleagues report that this was one of the toughest Februaries in a long time. You made it through–and through March as well—using varying strategies of self-reward, self-care, and the tools of self-management. Take a moment and acknowledge that success.
Now refocus. This week is the week to clear your mind and wrap up for exam preparation.
It’s the week to tie up any loose ends. It can be the peskiest little things that cost students grades. Of course, you’ll want to complete any outstanding assignments, prioritizing if you are short on time. There may be some big ticket assignments, such as group presentations or research proposal submissions. I know you won’t forget those.
You may be so involved with the major projects that you are tempted to skip lectures and tutorials to polish them and get them in on time, let alone fuss about administrative trivia.
Those last lectures–Don’t leave marks lying on the table!
Instructors want their students to do well. Over and over throughout the course, and especially near the end, instructors give subtle and major hints and information about what is going to be on the final exam. Listen for phrases such as, “You might want to review . . . , “ or, “This is the type of problem you may be expected to solve,” or, “This term we’ve discussed . . . ,” or “The Department is always looking for . . . .” The cues may be much more direct, “There will be one short essay question asking you to analyze the effects of the carbon tax on some social political issue.” Students (that could be you) can ask, “Will xxx be on the exam?” Or, “What is most important to study on the exam?” Instructors often, not always, give useful answers.
Check with the instructor about the format of the exam, how long you have to write it, and how you are to submit it. You will want to know ahead where you need to avoid the traps of the open book exam, what aids you can take in with you, and what collaboration is and is not allowed.
The students who gain this information during last lectures are likely at an advantage over those who stay away, polishing every last citation on a paper.
But what about those pesky little gotchas?
Avoid the pitfalls that have tripped many:
- Review the exam schedule for time and place. Check regularly for changes. Be prepared for back-to-back exams. Sometimes, if you have three exams back to back, you can arrange alternate times, especially if several class members have the same issue.
- Make sure any accommodations have been arranged, that you have the documentation with you, and that necessary parties have copies.
- Check to ensure that you have received credit for every piece of work submitted or presented.
- If you have arranged for any extensions or deferrals, ensure that you have that documentation.
Change gears
If you were a cyclist, I’d say get ready for the final sprint. Mentally envision how you are going to do your final exam review. If your exams start next week, you will begin your revision even as you attend the last lectures.
Set up your study area, set your exam week routine, schedule your study, your breaks, your self-care.
Then, take a breath.
The finish line is in sight!
Connect with me [email protected] to develop your exam week strategy.
The information in this blog cannot take the place of support from your own mental health professional or community health resources.” Reach out to them.” And IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS, PLEASE DIAL 911.