“Twas the night before the big exam and all through the house, I was cramming and jamming, to keep thoughts fresh in my mind… well does this sound like you?”
Actually, the best way to do well on an exam is to plan a study schedule well in advance of the examination date. The following tips and strategies will help you develop good study habits and do well in your courses.
- Tip #1: Review the course syllabus
- Tip #2: Understand the learning platform
- Tip #3: Be an active participant
- Tip #4: Take responsibility for your learning
- Tip #5: Know your exam type
- Tip #6: Use a study guide
- Stay on track: checklist
Looking for more tips? Check out this Brightspace course that’s all about your UVic learning technologies.
Understand the learning platform
If possible, spend time reviewing the organization and content of the online course. Ensure you have downloaded the necessary apps and have sufficient bandwidth to complete online exams and assignments. There are workshops to help!
Be an active participant
Ask questions in the course Discussions section in Brightspace, on the chat during the online lecture in Zoom, or in the Echo360 video post to clarify or deepen your understanding of course content before the exam.
Take responsibility for your learning
Develop your study skills: create a study schedule, find your study space(s), disable or mute social media and other distractions, break content down, take scheduled breaks, read actively, write notes in your own words, and create flash cards.
Know your exam type
There are a variety of types of exams and assessments. Know what type you are preparing for: essay, short answer, multiple choice, true/false, fill in the blank, open book etc. This will help you when learning the material.
Use a study guide
If given, make use of a guide provided by the instructor. If you aren’t given a guide, you can create your own!
- Define sources you will need (notes, slides, textbooks, etc.). If the test is cumulative, use your previous tests to look for areas you struggled with previously.
- Organize your guide by making a list with key concepts, relatable facts and definitions. Be concise! Do not include information you are already comfortable with in depth.
- Study using this guide and recall information by yourself, or by asking a friend or study group to quiz you.
Stay on track
Follow these checklists to make sure you are on track for before, during, and after your exam.
The day before
- Stick to normal routine
- Eat a balanced meal
- Go to bed at usual time
- Ensure you are well hydrated
- Any studying should be review only – not the time to new learn materials!
- Get organized for next day
- Set alarm, and set area to write the exam
The day of
- Stay hydrated! Have a supply of fresh water at hand
- Ensure you have a quiet space to take the test
- Turn off your cell phone or select Airplane Mode
- Get set up early so you are online and ready to access the test when it becomes available
During the exam
- Read the instructions carefully
- If the test format allows read all the questions
- Ask instructor specifically about formatting in advance of the test
- Check how many marks are available
- Answer the question
- Use any extra time to check your work
After the exam
- Breathe
- Review your marked test, quiz or exam – if you don’t understand why an answer was marked wrong, ask your instructor or TA
- Seek feedback especially if the exam may contain information that’s part of a follow-up or final exam
Check out more resources on UVic Learn to help you prepare for online exams
To learn more about this topic and to get help
Book a free in-person or online appointment with a Centre for Academic Communication academic coach!