Organization Techniques for Finals and the

End of the Semester

By: Victoria Williams Aaron Mertes, GA

Stay on Track

Time management strategies Plan out end of semester Test anxiety causes and strategies Evaluation

Overview

Choose a planner/organization tool Link planner (SCSU bookstore) Google or Outlook calendar Phone

Make a list of all obligations Work Class Organizations/Clubs/Teams Family events

Time Management

Make a term schedule All due dates from course syllabi (assignments, projects, exams,

etc.) Other activities and events Leave room for additions

Make a weekly schedule Fill in class, work, and activities of a typical week Schedule daily study blocks

Be realistic! Include time for fun Be aware of best study locations and times of day

Time Management cont.

Use these skills to plan out the remaining weeks of the semester, with special consideration of finals:

List all finals dates Day and time

Location Building and room number

Type of exam Computer, paper, etc.; comprehensive or final units

Materials to study from Lecture notes, textbook, study guides, etc.

Put it into Practice!

Two kinds Anticipatory: anxiety experienced while studying

Comes in waves (of relatively short duration) Situational: anxiety experienced while taking an

exam

Test Anxiety

Physiological—the physical elements Symptoms (racing heart, stomach upset) Freeze, flight, or fight results in “going blank.”

Cognitive—the mental element Symptoms (concentration, attention, reading and understanding

questions) Self-talk

Behavioral—how you act Symptoms (anxious, irritated, depressed, afraid)

Emotional—what you feel

Adapted from: Beating the Big, Bad Wolf: Conquering Test Anxiety, Gail McNeely, Austin Community College

Elements of Anxiety

Poor study habits Procrastination Learned behavior Worry about image

Where Does Test Anxiety Come From?

Better preparation Improve general lifestyle Learn physical relaxation techniques Use positive self-talk Manage the test environment Improve test-taking skills

What To Do

Go to class, read the book, do the homework, and review, review, review.

Learn how to take tests. Manage your time! Overcome procrastination!!!

To Prepare:

Do math every day Read ahead Warm up Eliminate negative self talk and negative thinking Journal

Autobiography Self monitor your thoughts, feelings, and progress Explain in writing how they solved a math problem

Practice relaxation techniques Get help

Basic study skills Math resources

Learning Techniques to Help Diminish Math Anxiety

Before the exam, find a quiet place to relax Arrive in time to get organized As soon as the test arrives

Write all formulas, rules, etc. at the top or on scratch paper

Complete the easy problems first Complete a reasonableness test Label your answer

Recheck If you start to feel anxious, repeat positive self

talk

Math Exams

Subject Tutoring

Centennial Hall 236

(320) 308-4993

alc@stcloudstate.edu

www.stcloudstate.edu/alc

One-on-One Study Skills and Time Management

Anna Urbanski, GA

211B Centennial Hall

(320) 308-4997

alcga2@stcloudstate.edu

Academic Learning Center