UB’s Methods of Inquiry (GSE 155) program provides excellent information on how to help students approach learning, predict exam questions, improve their understanding, and improve their grades.
The following are 15 general test-taking suggestions recommended from the Methods of Inquiry program as you take your spring final exams:
• Avoid rushing. Get to the test early.
• Pick a good spot to sit and recite notes calmly. The best spot is usually your normal seat, which is hopefully close to the front, and away from distractions.
• Get rid of undue anxiety by relaxation techniques, positive self-talk, and focusing only on the task at hand.
• Wait for oral instructions. Do NOT begin the test as soon as you receive it. You may miss vital information or clues if you do not listen to instructions.
• Jot down memory clues before you begin. If there are dates, names or other items you are afraid you may forget, jot these down on the back of the test. This may relieve some stress immediately.
• Skim the entire exam, reading directions carefully. As you quickly look over the test, look for:
1) Point Allotment - Spending the most time on items worth the most points.
2) Type of Questions - Which will take more time for you? What order would be best to answer the questions?
3) Clues - Test questions often may have clues farther on in the test or you may even find the answer.
• Ask specific questions if needed after the instructor has had time to explain AND you have had time to skim the test.
• Do the easy questions first. This will help your confidence level and allow you to have the rest of the time to concentrate on the harder questions.
• Skip the harder ones and mark them so you will remember to come back to them after you have completed the easier ones and warmed up.
• Do all tests four times. You need to go through the following four steps to do your best:
1) Skim the test.
2) Do the easier questions while you mark and skip the harder ones.
3) Return to do the harder ones.
4) Look over the entire test to check that you have answered all questions.
• Change your answer if needed. Recent research seems to point that when an answer is changed, more often than not it is changed from a wrong answer to a right one. But you also need to analyze your pattern. If the answer was clearly just a guess, perhaps your first guess IS your best answer. But, if after second thought you feel the need to change the answer, do so.
• Budget your time. In addition to considering the point value of each question, make sure you allow enough time to complete the whole test with time to double-check.
• Never leave blanks! A guess is better than a miss.
• Write answers clearly.
• Make the test serve you after it’s over. Don’t purposefully try and put the test out of your mind. Talk about strategies with other students. Look up the questions you weren’t certain about. You will remember the answer much longer than any other questions if you do.
Source: Ahuna, Kelly H. and Tinnesz, Christine G. (2003). Methods of Inquiry: Applied Critical Thinking. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.
Want to take the Methods of Inquiry (GSE 155) class this fall? There are still several sections open. Don’t miss this opportunity to take an excellent class that’s all about thinking and learning!
Posted April 19, 2006 in General
If you are not returning to UB in the fall, be sure that you consult with an academic advisor and file the appropriate paperwork to let the University know of your change in status. Once spring 2006 grades are posted, an advisor will check to see if you qualify for an Undergraduate Leave of Absence. If you are not eligible to file a Leave of Absence with the University, then you will need to fill out the Not Returning to UB Form.
All students who will not be returning in the fall must also consult the When You’re Not Returning to UB Checklist, which provides a list of critical information that you must check into to ensure that you are leaving the University properly.
Posted April 19, 2006 in General
Students are urged to check their UB e-mail accounts regularly, including throughout the summer months. Important academic and financial communications, Be Advised web log updates, and other details that affect students’ statuses are communicated year-round. Be sure that you check your UB e-mail and that you stay informed throughout the summer!
Remember that there is also a number of valuable UB resources that you can take advantage of this summer:
• UBThisSummer - Offers a variety of experiences, including an opportunity to take UB summer courses as well as to partake in the nationally and internationally recognized faculty Summer Lecture Series. Visit UBThisSummer at http://ubthissummer.buffalo.edu/ for more information.
• Explore Studying Abroad - Study Abroad provides the opportunity to experience people, places and cultures that will enhance your education as well as enrich your life.
• Career Services - Contact Career Services and gain valuable information regarding careers, jobs, internships and so much more!
• Community Service Learning - Get involved with Community Service Learning Opportunities and gain direct service experience on campus and in the greater Buffalo community.
Monday, May 1, 2006 - Last day of spring 2006 classes. However, while spring semester classes are ending, remember that academic advisors are continuously available to assist you throughout the summer.
Thursday, May 4-Thursday, May 11, 2006 - Final Exams week. Be sure that you have logged on to MyUB and viewed your final exam schedule. Also, consult with your instructors for any updated information regarding your exams. And if you have procedural questions regarding the final exam schedule consult the Student Response Center for more information.
Monday, May 22, 2006 - Spring 2006 grades available on UB transcripts.
Learn more about other student calendar listings of important academic, financial, and billing date information.
Posted April 13, 2006 in General
Remember to use the summertime for more than just a vacation. Often what students do in the summer provides excellent insight into their personality. Plan to do new and interesting things, such as taking additional coursework, gaining experience by shadowing, volunteering or interning, studying abroad or giving back to your community.
PLANNING TO TAKE UB SUMMER COURSES?
If so, then determine how many courses would be an appropriate balance for you.
A summer session differs from a fall or spring semester session in that a summer session typically runs for six weeks versus sixteen weeks during the academic year. This means that summer session courses will be scheduled for greater frequency and for longer periods of time. As a result, for that six week summer time span you will spend more time in lecture/lab and still have to do the homework and prepare for course tests/projects and exams. An additional consideration is that many students work during the summer and need to balance this additional commitment with school. Take a look at UB’s summer courses and see what will meet your needs best. Be sure and take special note of the various summer session beginning and end dates as well as when registration drop, add and resign dates occur.
Should you repeat a course?
If you are contemplating repeating a course this summer then you will want to consider this decision carefully. If your hope is to improve your UB Grade Point Average (GPA) and you first took the class at UB, then you will want to repeat this course at UB. Be sure that you read and understand UB’s Repeat Policy as referenced in the Undergraduate Catalog. Also, talk with an academic advisor to assist you in your decision-making process.
PLANNING TO TAKE COURSES ELSEWHERE THIS SUMMER?
If so, then consult with an academic advisor and utilize TAURUS, UB’s articulation web site which shows how transfer courses match UB courses and requirements.
Also, be sure that you:
• Contact the school you wish to attend and find out their summer course offerings. You can do this by going to the school’s homepage and searching for the “summer courses” link. If this is not available, try using the Search Tool and entering the key words of “summer course schedule” or “summer schedule.”
• Find out the school’s registration information. In most cases registering for summer classes will not require you to apply through that school’s Office of Admissions. Upon locating the summer class schedule, you will want to learn when and how you can begin registering for classes. Some schools may provide summer registration links very prominently. If not, then conduct another search by using the key words “registrar,” “academic records,” “registering for classes,” or “student records.” As some schools may require that your UB academic advisor approve your summer registration, be sure that you talk with your academic advisor regarding your course planning.
• Send an official transcript to UB’s Office of Admissions. Once you have completed your summer courses, you need to be sure that you send an official transcript to UB’s Office of Admissions. It typically takes three to five weeks from the time that you request that a transcript be sent until the time that it will be entered on your UB academic record and show up on your DARS report.
If you are a freshman or sophomore and want to take a 3-credit class specifically aimed at helping you choose a career or major then be sure you take UBE 202: Career Planning this fall semester!
UBE 202 WILL HELP YOU TO:
• gain personal, educational, and career awareness
• develop an understanding of the career decision-making process
• explore through assessments that will assist you in choosing a major/career
• research occupations and learn about a variety of careers
• learn job search techniques and skills such as interviewing, writing a resume, and writing a cover letter
TO REGISTER/FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Remember that UBE 202 is open to freshmen and sophomores only. To register or for more information, visit Career Services in 259 Capen Hall.
UBE 202 SECTIONS AVAILABLE THIS FALL 2006:
Monday & Wednesday - 1:00 - 2:20 pm - Clemens Hall
Tuesday & Thursday - 9:00 - 10:20 am - Bell Hall
Tuesday & Thursday - 3:30 - 4:50 pm - Baldy Hall
Mark your calendars! The Celebration of Academic Excellence is scheduled for Thursday, April 20, 2006. This day-long event is a great opportunity to not only celebrate academic success at UB, but to learn why research and out-of-classroom experiences are so vital to one’s development and educational goals.
WHY GO
• See outstanding student performances.
• Learn about undergraduate research.
• Be there for your friends and faculty being honored.
• Get a free T-shirt for the first 250 students who attend and enjoy free refreshments at the post-ceremony reception.
WHEN
Thursday, April 20, 2006
WHERE
Center for the Arts
WHAT TIME
• 1:30 pm - Art Exhibits/Poster Displays (Research, Scholarship and Creativity)
• 3:00 pm - Concert
• 3:30 pm - Ceremony (Student and Faculty Awards, Performances)
• Reception following Ceremony
FOR MORE INFORMATION/TO REGISTER
Visit the Celebration of Academic Excellence web site at www.celebrate.buffalo.edu and register to attend.
