Study Skills & Learning Strategies: Exam Writing & Preparation

Take Inventory of your Exam Preparation & Exam Writing Strategies

Exam Preparation Strategies
Exam Writing Strategies

Understanding how you will be assessed in each of your courses and adjusting your learning techniques/strategies accordingly is an important academic skill to develop at university. In this section, think about the strategies you use to prepare for exams. Ask yourself how well those strategies are working and why.

Do you know how you will be assessed, the types of assessments, and what each assessment is worth?
- See how to Identify Your Course Requirements and read Different Types of Exams.
How will the type of exam change the way you prepare for that exam?
- Explore Exam Prep by Format and 6 Effective Learning Methods.
Do you use research-backed study techniques or strategies?
- See 6 Research-backed Learning Techniques You Need To Know!

A study skills inventory can give you a good idea of how effective your learning strategies and habits are and will lead to a better understanding of yourself as a learner.

Note: you can skip over 'name' and 'email' at the top of this page:

Study Skills Inventory

Personalize/Plan Your Exam Preparation Approach
What did you learn from the study skills inventory above? Do your exam preparation techniques/strategies enhance, extend and empower your learning? Explore the resource links in the columns below and adopt strategies that you can easily apply and adapt to your studies.
ADOPT	APPLY	ADAPT

Strategies that help you study and better prepare for exams	Strategies that extend your ability to remember and recall information	Strategies that help you master your ability to learn and be metacognitive
Watch Preparing for An Exam (4:47) The Different Levels of Learning through Bloom's Taxonomy of Learning (3:51) Video Series Developing a Mindset for Successful Studying by Dr. Chew Read Article: Re-Reading is Inefficient. Here are 8 Tips for Studying Smarter. 10 Tips for Managing "Pre- or Anticipatory" Exam Anxiety Different Types of Exams so you know what to expect 6 Research-Backed Learning Techniques Metacognitive Study Strategies How to Study for any Major Exam, Using the Best Study Methods and Memorization Techniques A holistic approach for how to get through exams.	Watch Evidence-Based Study Strategies (4:10) Memory Tips (4:17) Try These 6 Super-Effective Learning Methods that introduce the acronym RIVERS: R - Retrieval (4:49) - What and How I - Interleaving (5:32) - What and How V - Variable Practice (4:45) E - Elaboration (1:31) R - Reflection (2:59) S - Spaced Repetition (7:46) Read Five-Day Exam Study Planner (pdf) The 5-Step Term Study Cycle (pdf) Post Exam: Self Assessment (pdf) (doc) provides insight into preparing for exams Preparing For and Taking Open Book Exams 8 Ways to Create & Learn Effectively Using Flashcards	Watch What is Metacognition - And Why Does it Matter? (0:58) The Feynman Technique (2:00) How to Learn Faster with the Feynman Technique (5:48) The Importance of Making Errors (2:08) Read The Learning Pyramid

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Writing exams at university is one of the primary ways you will be assessed. Many students express feeling anxious about exams and while some stress is normal, too much stress can be debilitating. The best way to manage exam stress and anxiety is to be well prepared. In this section on exam writing, think about the strategies you use on exam day. Ask yourself how well those strategies are working and why.

Do you know where the exam will be held or what supplies you will need? Watch In-Person Exams - Tips from an Upper Years Student (4:12)
Do you know what type of exam it will be? To prepare accordingly, see Different Types of Exams.
Are your anxiety levels on exam day beyond what would be considered normal? See Managing Exam Anxiety (3:35)

There are 'Before, During and After Tips' that can help you manage your stress and complete your exams with confidence. Use this checklist to determine how well you prepare for exam day. Take note of the things you don't do, and consider adding them to your arsenal of exam-day strategies.

Before, During and After Exam TIPS

Personalize/Plan Your Exam Writing Approach
What did you learn from the Taming Your Test Anxiety:TIPS checklist? Do your exam-writing strategies enhance, extend and empower your learning? Explore the resource links in the columns below to find exam writing strategies that you can easily adopt, apply and adapt to your learning needs.
ADOPT	APPLY	ADAPT

Strategies that enhance you ability to take tests and manage exam day anxieties	Strategies that extend your ability to write tests and exams effectively	Strategies that help you assess and improve your exam writing skills
Listen to these experienced test takers share their experiences: In-Person Exams - Tips from an Upper Year Student (4:12) Tips for Writing Exams (3:52) by Janice Read Exam Anxiety - What is It & How to Manage It from USask Student Wellness 10 Tips for Managing Exam Anxiety Succeed on the Day of the Exam Some Tips & Tricks of Exam-Taking	Read Test-taking Strategies Different Types of Exams Taking Multiple-Choice Exams Clue Words in Exams Handout Tips for Different Types of Exam Questions	Read USask Exam Regulations and Procedures. You are also responsible to consult with the Regulations and Procedures of your College. Post Exam: Self Assessment (pdf) (doc) Listen to experienced students talk about The Benefits of Reflection Reflection Models Reflection Advice Reflection Interviews
For tips that include Online Exams, watch:
Part 1 - What to do Before Online Exams (7:36)	Part 2 - What to do During Exams (5:24)	Part 3 - What to do After Exams (3:11)