Upload
briana-hill
View
221
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
DIT School of ComputingPostgraduate Examinations
Guide to tackling written examinations
Details of modules Each module you study has a specification available from the
programme document available from the library http://library.dit.ie In the module specification will be detailed
Aims and objectives of the module Learning outcomes
What you will be expected to be able to do/know on completion of the module Content Details of how the module is assessed Reading lists
The form of assessment varies from module to module The majority of modules have
a large component of continuous assessment (minimum 40%) This should usually be completed before the end of the teaching session
and feedback provided to you on your performance a large component of written examination (minimum 50%)
What is a written examination for? To assess students ability to meet selected learning
outcomes in the module being examined Under the same conditions Under time pressure
It is NOT to test your ability to recall definitions or recreate notes
It IS about assessing your ability to demonstrate LEVEL 9 skills such as A systematic understanding of knowledge Critical awareness of topics Advanced skills Wider awareness of the implications of topics or the
application of skills learnt Ability to work under pressure
How should I prepare for a written examination? Read the MODULE SPECIFICATION in the
PROGRAMME DOCUMENT Ensure you are familiar with the LEARNING
OUTCOMES Study PAST EXAMINATION PAPERS Try to construct answers to questions using the
material provided to you by your lecturer This includes notes, practical classes, additional
reading Ask your lecturer for clarification on anything
on which you are unclear Ask your classmates for their views
What does an examination paper look like?
Name of institute and location of examination
Name of programme of study
Examination Session and Year
Name of module being examined
Name of main examiner, head of school and external examiner
Date and time of examination
Instructions to Candidates
Examination Code – For internal use
The Day of the Exam Arrive at the location of the examination well in advance Make sure you have both student card and examination number with you In the main reception area a list of all examinations being sat on that day and
their physical location will be listed On entering your exam centre you will be directed to a desk Each candidate will be given a blue answer book
Record your examination number on the cover of this book (and any additional books you request during the exam)
Record the name of the examination you are sitting Remember to tick the boxes of the questions you answer during the exam
When the exam starts you will be given a copy of the paper Make sure it is the correct paper for you – the programme is correct, the name of the
module is correct and the examiner is correct READ THE INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Make sure you know what you have to do and how long you have to do it
Extra answer books are available and must be included inside your blue answer book
At the end of the exam make sure you hand up all written material
During the exam Read all the questions before writing any answers Decide which questions you are going to do Allocate a set amount of time to answer each question and stick to
it When answering a question if you run over this time move on
You will get more marks for answer two questions partially than one in full
MAKE SURE YOU ARE ANSWERING THE QUESTION ASKED Look at the any words in italics or bold font – these are clues to
what the examiner is looking for Look at the number of marks allocated to each part of the
question A 10 mark question will demand more effort than a 5 mark question – it would
be silly to write 2 pages in answer to a 5 mark question and only a paragraph in answer to a 10 mark question
Allocate some time at the end of the exam to read back over your answers and make sure you have answered the questions asked
After the exam Don’t stress yourself out by comparing the
answers you provided with those of others. Draw a line under it and move on to the next
exam. Immediately after the exam take some time to
relax and re-focus before tackling the preparation for another exam.
After your last exam you should reward yourself for getting through the examination process. Take time to relax before you have to tackle the
next semester or the next major task you have.
General Tips Be Prepared
Make sure you know what you are expected to know Make sure you know how you will be examined If you are unsure - ask
Plan for the time you will have in the exam Allocate time at the start to read the paper and use this to calm yourself Use your time as planned Leave time at the end to review the paper
During the exam Read the paper
Read all the questions first, don’t just start answering the first one you know the answer to part of
Read the instructions Make sure you know what you have to do and how long you have to do it
Read the questions Make sure you know what you are being asked – if you are unsure ask the invigilator
Answer the questions asked Don’t be afraid to take time to plan your answers
Sketch the main points