Regular review activities
Why?
Making test preparation an ongoing part of classroom activities helps students to link course material with assessment and avoid cramming.
Regular, ongoing review of course materials can also encourage active learning rather than more passive note-taking.
Examples
Each class, ask a question from previous class material and have a brief discussion.[1]
Ask students to turn to their notes from a certain class/unit and select three things they think they will need to know for the exam.[1]
Review concepts that students found difficult on past assignments; go over questions step by step.[2][3][4]
Use group activities in scheduled review sessions rather than a simple question-answer format (see also “Collaborative preparation for exams”).[3]
Suggestions for implementation
Plan regular short review sessions (five minutes) at the beginning of each class.[1]
Organize drop-in review sessions throughout the term.[2]
Build review sessions in the course schedule.[3]
References
[1] 1 2 3 Weimer, M. (2013b). Exams: Maximizing their learning potential. Faculty Focus.
[2] 1 2 Hamilton, T. (2009). Effective strategies for reducing test anxiety. Faculty Focus.
[3] 1 2 3 Weimer, M. (2012a). Deep learning vs. surface learning: Getting students to understand the difference. The Teaching Professor.
[4]Weimer, M. (2015b). Helping students who are performing poorly. Faculty Focus.
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