Discussion Assignment Unit 8
Preparing for Final Exams
Preparing for and taking exams is the practical application of the learning cycle; review and
apply (College Success, 2015). There are two strategies that are essential for me to do when
preparing for final exams, first is to review and reread my notes and the other is, answering past
year exam questions. But to do either of these tasks, I have to make sure to schedule a time
during the week to review materials, because it’s important to understand the material to be able
to apply it in my learning or in real-life experiences. Exams is a time when we are required to
apply our thoughts from material learned, explain our thoughts using critical thinking, manage
our thoughts properly to better answer questions and be able to summarize everything we have
learned in our answers. That is why it helps to have a plan when preparing for any exam and
follow it through.
I usually have test-taking anxieties before any major exam. Though my test-taking anxiety at the
moment is probably due to the fact that this is the first online exam I will be taking from an
accredited American university, it’s a whole new experience but something that I will benefit
from. It’s the same worrying feeling that I get from doing something that I have not done before
but something I am willing to experience to help me succeed in life and it’s important to have the
right attitude, to be able to manage test anxiety.
It is normal to have test anxiety, to control and best manage my test anxiety, what usually works
for me is preparing well for the exam, that is, reviewing and understanding materials learned
during the course. It also helps to read up on and practice study tips provided in the learning
materials, I find them very useful and important in guiding me during studying because we study
to learn, not just for tests (College Success, 2015).
Word Count: 324
References
College Success. (2015). Chapter 6.1: Test anxiety and how to control it.
https://open.lib.umn.edu/collegesuccess/chapter/6-1-test-anxiety-and-how-to-control-it/
by Casmir Adumekwe - Monday, 25 October 2021, 6:31 PM
Wonderful take Titi,
Scheduling time for study or review is very important as we have learnt this week.
Test anxiety is a thing for most students, not being sure if you are ready for the exam or if you
have prepared enough before the exam time? Will I be successful? What if I mess this up? These
are questions that race through the minds of most students.
Some of the ways to escape this could be taking breaks in-between study time, going for a walk
works for most people just to distract them for a while, talking to someone's in between about
the exam too could help.
If you still feel anxious about the exam still feel free to chat me up.
122 words
by Nickson Nasubo - Thursday, 28 October 2021, 11:56 AM
Hello Titilia.
When you explain that your anxiousness is most likely the outcome of taking an online exam for
the first time, I like your candor and honesty. However, each exam is distinct and presents its
own set of problems and stresses. Peer pressure contributes to some of the anxiety when
students express their thoughts on a certain exam or person. I agree with you when you say that
anxiety carries with it a new experience, one that is helpful. I believe that most students focus on
the bad aspects of exam anxiety and hence miss out on any benefits that come with it.
104 words
by Adewunmi Pamilerinayo - Wednesday, 27 October 2021, 6:10 AM
Hello Titilia,
Good work, thank you for the enlightenment.
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Final Exam
by Casey Allen (Instructor) - Friday, 22 October 2021, 1:48 AM
Number of replies: 3
In the upcoming week, you will write your final exam. I just wanted to let you all know a
few things before the exam to help you through it.
First, exam anxiety is natural - everyone has it, so don't feel like you are the only one out
there. The best way to overcome exam anxiety is to study normally and take breaks. If
possible, watch a funny movie or TV show the evening before the exam. Laughter
releases endorphins that can curb or even eliminate stressors and feelings of anxiety.
Second, sleep the night before any exam is crucial. Don't make the rookie mistake of
trying to study all night before you write your exam. Also, don't study for more than an
hour at a time - take lots of breaks. You will remember more if you take breaks to eat,
play with your pet, go for a walk, or do something physical. This is because your brain
learns more when your whole body is involved. There are three domains of learning:
Cognitive (mental, thinking), Affective (emotional/feelings), and Psychomotor
(movement/doing things). The more you involve each of these while studying, the more
you will remember and the longer you will remember it.
Third, remember that an exam is there to test you on what you know and what you have
learned. It is not designed to trick you. It has not been developed to make you feel as if
you cannot do it. An exam simply asks questions about what you have learned to ensure
you have learned it. So, one of the things you should do is to think about the types of
things you learned about in this class as well as the topics that were highlighted as
being the most important. Think about things you were required to do every week in the
course of discussions and journal assignments as well as your written assignments. Don't
just focus on the topics, but the mechanics of how you were expected to show your
work.
Last, also remember that UoPeople wants you to succeed. This university is
groundbreaking and the opportunity to bring a university education to anyone who
wants it is a concept that has only recently taken hold. As such, there will be detractors
who are looking at things like success factors very carefully to see if this model is
successful. As such, while the rigour of any university level course must be maintained,
the instructional designers who build these courses have years of experience in making
sure students can be as successful as possible. You will benefit from that.
Good luck to you all next week and I wish you all a great academic and life's journey.
Casey
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