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www.reading.ac.uk/studyadvice
The good news!
You have done exams before so:
•Familiar with university-style exams
•Have already developed strategies for revision
and in exam room
•Hopefully know your preferred ways of learning
•Know the areas you want to work on
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Which best describes you whenpreparing for exams?
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“Perfectly planned Polly” “Laid back Larry”
Are you planning to adapt your existing exam strategies for your finals – if so, why?
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Adapting your strategies
• Allowing enough time for revision
• Ensuring the right balance between modules
• Not trying to cover / memorise absolutely
everything
• Using past papers and doing more practice
• Managing nerves
• Not comparing self to others / doing a post mortem!
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Difference between finalsand exams in other years
• Looking for deeper understanding
• Looking for evidence of some wider reading and
thinking
• More competing demands on your limited time
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What to do now• Check for any gaps in your understanding => get
support sooner rather than later
• Organise your notes and materials – know where to find things when you need them
• Block off time for small amounts of regular practice / reading
• Keep on top of your coursework – need time for revision over Easter
• Maintain or start any relaxation strategies
• Develop your understanding steadily as you go along
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Who can help
• Study Advice - feedback, dissertations, exam prep – Study guides – One-to-one sessions– Seminars
• The final push: completing your dissertation Wed 29th Jan, 2.00-3.30pm, Carrington 101
• Succeed in your finals Wed 5th March, 2.00-3.30pm, Carrington 101
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Library, first floor (room 103)
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Who can help
• ASK Adviser for Economics - Antonia Fernandez
– Drop in hours: Thursdays 1.30-3.30pm and Fridays
9.00-10.00am in HumSS 190
• Lecturers / Tutor
– Help with subject-specific questions / how to fill gaps in
understanding
– See office hours
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© University of Reading 2006 www.reading.ac.uk
Dr Alicia Peña Bizama, Student [email protected]
Economics 15 Jan 2014
Maintaining health and motivation
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Tips to keep healthy• Maintain a regular routine – sleep,
meals/healthy food
• Take breaks on a regular basis (10 min)
• Drink water/fluids to keep hydrated
• Exercise (walking, stretching)
• Connect with others
• Improve your stamina by keeping fit
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Tips to maintain motivation
• Focus on learning rather than the outcome
• Visualise learning each step of the task …see it happening, think of possibilities of things working out
• Challenge thoughts of worst case scenarios – focus on what you are learning
• Challenge thoughts of failure – think about learning opportunities. No one is perfect.
• Remind yourself you are making regular efforts and do what you can each day
• Be your best friend – be kind and understanding
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Tips to get things done• Break tasks down into small steps – start with
the easier one
• Identify distractions and pre-plan what you can do when these appear so that you are able to focus on your work
• Identify things you want to do (eg. talk to friends, check Facebook, etc) and use these as rewards
• Focus on the things you are doing – not on what is left to do
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Resources
•Life Tools talks (increasing concentration, preparing for exams)
•Counselling and Wellbeing (Peer Supporters)
•Leaflets - www.reading.ac.uk/counselling
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Good luck in your finals!
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