An "open book exam" is a test that allows you to bring the text you have been studying.This sounds like it would be easy to take a very easy type of test if you looked up the answer the day of the test.This type of test isn't usually how it works.An open book exam requires a genuine understanding of the material, as well as being able to interpret, think critically, and present an organized and well written answer.You can succeed in your next open book exam if you have a bit of preparation, note taking skills, and test taking strategies.
Step 1: An open book exam has a rationale.
Open book exams don't rely on learning.You will have the information in front of you, but what you are asked is usually quite involved.Open exams teach students how to apply information in a thoughtful, deep manner.The focus of an open book exam is applying information.This means that you won't just be using the material from a textbook.In the context of specific questions and scenarios, you will be interpreting it.You won't be asked about Shakespeare's family name in class.It is more likely that it will be using citations to explain why the family contributed to his death.There are two types of open book exams, restricted and unrestricted.A single set of notes or a single textbook are examples of restricted exam material.There is no limit on what can be brought into the exam room or take- home test in an unrestricted exam.Before taking the test, make sure you know if the exam is restricted or unrestricted.Memorization is not necessary for an open book exam.This does not mean that you don't need to study.This isn't the case.Rather than being able to memorize and recite the material, focus is shifted to understanding it."Explain how X applies to Y situation" and "What implications does X have on Y current event" are the questions you will not be asked.Before entering the exam room, make sure you understand the material.
Step 2: Take the time to locate and mark key information.
If your exam allows you to take your book in, organize your textbook to help you locate important information quickly and easily.highlighters are a great tool.Key terms, historical dates, equations, and other difficult to remember material can be used for questions.During the exam, you can easily spot the highlighted sections by flipping through your book.If allowed, margin notes can be a great means of organization.It is possible to spot important materials fast bytting down your instructors commentary or summaries of difficult paragraphs in the margins.There are pages to mark.Simple folding can be easy to miss.You can buy multicolored sticky notes for marking pages at most bookstores and department stores.You can color coordinate any passages you're marking, using different colors to indicate different areas of focus.In the event of a restricted exam that does not allow a textbook in the exam room, these strategies still have merit.You can easily spot key information while studying if you organize your book during the class.
Step 3: It is important to understand the material.
It can be difficult to study for an open book exam as the skills required are not as easy to memorize.There are tricks you can use to prepare for the exam.You can write your own commentary on information.Write down your own commentary and insight in your notes as you'll be tested on interpretation.What do you think about the material?Critical thinking skills are needed for an open book exam.Answer any model questions your professor gives you.The open book exam questions promote a genuine understanding of the course material, so quizzing yourself using model questions is a great way to make sure you're prepared going in.Team up with other students.Study groups can be helpful for an open book.You can discuss and debate information from class.This will help you apply what you've learned.
Step 4: Attend all class periods.
The best way to make sure your notes are reflective of the testing material is to attend all class periods regularly.An open book exam is trying to understand it, not just memorize it.Each professor and teacher has a different area of focus when it comes to covering reading materials.You cannot duplicate your instructor's preferences by studying the reading materials alone.You have to attend class.You should note this if you don't understand something.A big question mark is a way for people to indicate an area they don't understand.You should leave a section in your notes.If you're having trouble understanding this concept, ask other classmates or email your professor.A good teacher will be happy if you have questions.It's good to know that you are still foggy.It is good to be able to quickly determine which topic to write on if you have a choice of essay questions.Recording the lectures with your instructor's permission is a good idea.You can always listen after the lecture to better catch the material, even if you can't take recordings into a lecture hall.Some teachers will record lectures so that you can make up classes.If you have to miss a class due to illness or an emergency, have a friend or fellow classmates who can lend you their notes.If you know someone who is a good note taker and dedicated student, you should ask them.
Step 5: You should organize your notes.
You don't want to bring a stack of papers with you to the exam.Prepare for the exam by organizing your notes during lectures.You can use a system of identifying your notes.Many people use roman numerals with capital letters for headings and lower case for subheadings.You should date your notes.If you remember the approximate time of year, you can find subjects that are confusing.Keep your class notes separate.If you want to separate one class's notes from another, use a three-ring binder or notebook.Write something on the leg.If you can bring a laptop to class, you will be able to type notes.Be careful.Many instructors ban laptops because they think students are using them to disengage from class.While you might be tempted to draw during dull moments in class, don't do it as these drawings will distract you from studying.At the beginning of your notes, place material that you struggle with.You will have quick access to it during the exam.You should list equations, key terms, and dates towards the beginning as this information can be difficult to remember and will likely show up on the exam.
Step 6: There are important things to focus on.
When preparing for open book exams, we are sometimes tempted to take more than one book.This method is incredibly time consuming and ineffective.During exam time, you'll have to run down the clock and scramble through pages and pages of notes.Pay attention to where the lecture is taking place.The exam will show up if something is written on the board, repeated, or discussed for an extended period.You should include those subjects in your exam notes.You can listen at the end of the lecture.The most important information from that day's class will be summarized in a brief closing statement by your instructor.Take notes with your classmates.If certain subjects overlap, it's important to focus on your notes for the exam.You can see what issues you missed.
Step 7: Stay calm, stay calm.
Make sure you know how to keep your nerves in check in the exam room because exam anxiety can affect performance.Take care of yourself and stop studying an hour before the exam.If you want to eat something light, take a walk.If you're poring over material right before the exam begins, you will likely get stressed out.If you don't know the time and place of the exam, give yourself more time to get there.Performance can be affected by getting lost or running late.Before the exam, get a good night's sleep.Make sure you're rested and refreshed before entering the exam room, anything that affects you physically can affect you mentally.Take a moment to relax if you start to feel nervous.While time is an issue, plowing through and exam despite feelings of anxiety will lead to a poor overall performance.Do not hesitate to stop, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths.
Step 8: Test taking strategies can be used.
You can use a variety of strategies to maximize your time during the exam period and improve your chances of getting a great grade.The exam will probably be timed.To calculate how long you should spend on each question, take a quick moment and be aware of how much time you have.If you don't have notes, answer any questions you can.If you can get through certain questions without fumbling with your notes, this will save you time.This will give you more time to think about the questions you might have difficulty with.If you're having a hard time with a question, treat it like any other exam.Leave it and come back at the end of the test when you've had time to calm down.
Step 9: If there is time, review your answers.
If you have time left, you can use your notes to your advantage by going through the questions one more time.You can check areas that include information that is easily mixed up by going back through your exam.If you feel your answers were weak, try to improve them in the remaining time.