Promoting Your Success: ELI Testing Tips

To promote a successful testing experience, the ELI Success Coaches encourage you to follow the tips outlined below:

Be Prepared – Begin reviewing/studying well in advance. If you need assistance locating helpful study resources, contact your Success Coach at elisuccess@nvcc.edu or call 703.764.5076. For a sampling of helpful study resources, please click here.

  Campus Testing Centers

§ Do not wait until the last minute to take your exam(s). If you are able, we advise that you take your exam early. Not only will you avoid long lines, you many also avoid a last minute unforeseen emergency that could prohibit you from getting to a testing center. An exam must begin no later than 90 minutes before the posted testing center closing time. Regardless of the day, be sure to allow plenty of time.

§ Do not forget to bring your completed Exam Pass for each exam and a photo ID. You may print your exam pass from the “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes” portion of the Syllabus button in your Blackboard course site.

§ Be prepared to stow your personal items, not permitted during your exam, including your cell phone (that must be turned off), in the manner required by the testing center (generally in a locker). Simply placing your phone on “silent” is not enough. You are not permitted access to anything other than your exam while testing, unless expressly stated in the exam instructions.

§ If your exam is not working properly in Bb (ex. unable to type in a textbox, audio files not working, images missing) or if you feel your exam did not submit properly, please notify testing center staff immediately so they may help you troubleshoot the problem. The testing center staff is well versed in the “tricks” of Blackboard.

§ If you are taking multiple exams, you will be required to go through the line for each exam that you are taking.

ProctorU

Some courses offer online testing through ProctorU. Courses offering this option will be listed in Blackboard under the links, “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes”, “Syllabus” or“Announcements”.

§ If you choose to use this online proctoring service, schedule to take your exam(s) through ProctorU at least 72 hours prior to testing to avoid a late fee.

§ If it is your first time using ProctorU, sign in 15 minutes early to set up your computer.

§ Be sure to have your photo ID ready.

In addition to being rested and well-prepared, be sure to have a healthy meal or snack before taking your exam(s). The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the better your testing outcome.

As an ELI (NOVA) student, you are expected to follow the code of conduct for all NOVA students outlined in the NOVA Student Handbook

Good luck on your exams!

It is hard to believe that the fall semester is nearly over!  If you are looking for a valuable study plan, we recommend you consider the Four Day Study Plan from About.com.  The plan, which we have slightly tweaked from the original article, follows: 

Studying for an Exam Day 1: 
Communicate with Your Instructor, Find a Study Partner and Organize

1.     Type of Exam - Ask your instructor what type of exam s/he will be giving. Multiple choice? Essay? That will make a difference in how you study.

2.     Request a Study Guide-If there is not one in your Bb site, ask your instructor for a review sheet/study guide. Your textbook website may also have practice tests. 

3.     Find a Study Partner -- set up dates to meet to include the night before the test if possible – even via phone/Facebook/Skype.

4.     Organize - Print and organize your notes, old quizzes, textbook, assignments and handouts from the units being tested.  

As You Study: 

·       Organize handouts, past tests, and other information according to dates. Make note of anything you are missing. (Where's the vocab quiz from chapter 2?) Pay special attention to the questions that you missed and spend extra time studying those questions. 

·       Rewrite or type your notes.  Creating an outline of the information you need to know will help you understand how the material covered in the class is related.  

·       Review the material you have. Go through the review sheet to determine what material will be covered. Read through your quizzes/handouts/notes and study questions from your book's chapters.  Also, refer to the end of each chapter in your text – many have excellent summaries/reviews.  

Studying for Your Exam - Day 2:
Course Review, Review and Apply the Material to Better Comprehend

1.     Communicate with your instructor: If necessary, clarify areas you didn't understand and request any missing items (for example: vocab quiz from chapter 2).

2.     Couse Review – Continue to review notes and materials. Ask your instructor if there will be a review before the test and continue to review on your own and review with your Study Partner (if time permits). If there will not be a course review, consider organizing one - you can reserve a study room and meet in a campus library or local library. 

As You Study:

·       Create flashcards with a question/term/vocab word on the front of the card, and the answer on the back. Quizlet is a free website/app that will help you design flashcards, practice tests and quizzes. The website/app also has pre-made flash cards (a favorite app by many students).

·       Set a timer for 45 minutes, and review everything on the review sheet that you don't already know using mnemonic devices like acronyms or singing a song. Also, apply the material to your life in ways that you can remember and understand.  When the timer goes off, take a 15 min. break and revisit your review sheet.  Study again for a specified time, setting the timer if it works well for you.

·       If you are not using the Quizlet App, put your flashcards in your purse, backpack, or car so that you can review them when you are not busy.   

Studying for Your Exam Day 3:
Review and Apply the Material, Create Practice Tests

1.     When you have any free time, review your flashcards and ask yourself questions (when you're waiting for class to start, at lunch, when waiting for an appointment, etc.) As you review, think of ways to apply the material to help you recall.

2.     Create Practice Tests to study (see below).

3.     Confirm a study date, with your study partner, for tomorrow night.

As You Study:

·       Set a timer for 45 minutes again. Go back through your flashcards and review sheet, learning/applying material (especially reviewing areas that are causing you some struggles). Take a 5-minute break. If necessary, set a timer for 45 minutes again and continue if you're still unsure of any material!

·       Create a few “practice tests” for yourself and your study partner (you can create your own, use study guides or visit your textbook website for practice tests, and you can also use Quizlet.com which was referenced earlier).  A practice test should include questions about key terminology, facts, and concepts that are likely to be on the test.

·       Be sure to have your flashcards  or Quizlet App/website ready for review again tomorrow.  

Studying for Your Exam Day 4:

Review, Study/Self, Confirm Meeting Time with Study Partner

1.     Throughout the day, pull your flashcards out and review.

2.     Confirm your study date with a friend or classmate.   

 As You Study:

·       Again, review your flashcards paying special attention to the remaining material that was giving you some struggles.

·       Quiz. With your study partner, take turns asking possible exam questions to each other. You will learn the material better by alternating asking the questions. Stop once you've been through the questions a few times and get a good night's sleep.  

For additional study resources, consider visiting About.com and How To Study.org.  For free online tutoring available to ELI students, visit Smarthinking.   

If you are using a campus testing center, if possible, do not wait until the last day to take your test – emergencies can come up and in many classes, you will not be able to take the test late. 

If you have additional questions, do not hesitate to contact the ELI Success Coaches at elisuccess@nvcc.edu or call 703.764.5076. 

Promoting Your Success: End of Semester Testing

To promote a successful testing experience, the ELI Success Coaches encourage you to follow the tips outlined below:

Be Prepared – Begin reviewing/studying well in advance. If you need assistance locating helpful study resources, contact your Success Coach at elisuccess@nvcc.edu or call 703.764.5076. For a sampling of helpful study resources, please click here.

  Campus Testing Centers

• Do not wait until the last minute to take your exam(s). If you are able, we advise that you take your exam early. Not only will you avoid long lines, you many also avoid a last minute unforeseen emergency that could prohibit you from getting to a testing center. An exam must begin no later than 90 minutes before the posted testing center closing time. Regardless of the day, be sure to allow plenty of time.
• Do not forget to bring your completed Exam Pass for each exam and a photo ID. You may print your exam pass from the “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes” portion of the Syllabus button in your Blackboard course site.
• Be prepared to stow your personal items, not permitted during your exam, including your cell phone (that must be turned off), in the manner required by the testing center (generally in a locker). Simply placing your phone on “silent” is not enough. You are not permitted access to anything other than your exam while testing, unless expressly stated in the exam instructions.
• If your exam is not working properly in Bb (ex. unable to type in a textbox, audio files not working, images missing) or if you feel your exam did not submit properly, please notify testing center staff immediately so they may help you troubleshoot the problem. The testing center staff is well versed in the “tricks” of Blackboard
• If you are taking multiple exams, you will be required to go through the line for each exam that you are taking.

ProctorU

Some courses offer online testing through ProctorU. Courses offering this option will be listed in Blackboard under the links, “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes”, “Syllabus” or“Announcements”.

• If you choose to use this online proctoring service, schedule to take your exam(s) through ProctorU at least 72 hours prior to testing to avoid a late fee.
• If it is your first time using ProctorU, sign in 15 minutes early to set up your computer.
• Be sure to have your photo ID ready.

In addition to being rested and well-prepared, be sure to have a healthy meal or snack before taking your exam(s). The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the better your testing outcome.

As an ELI (NOVA) student, you are expected to follow the code of conduct for all NOVA students outlined in the NOVA Student Handbook

Good luck on your exams!

Promoting Your Success: ELI Testing Tips

To promote a successful testing experience, the ELI Success Coaches encourage you to follow the tips outlined below:

Be Prepared – Begin reviewing/studying well in advance. If you need assistance locating helpful study resources, contact your Success Coach at elisuccess@nvcc.edu or call 703.764.5076. For a sampling of helpful study resources, please click here.

  Campus Testing Centers

• Do not wait until the last minute to take your exam(s). If you are able, we advise that you take your exam early. Not only will you avoid long lines, you many also avoid a last minute unforeseen emergency that could prohibit you from getting to a testing center. An exam must begin no later than 90 minutes before the posted testing center closing time. Regardless of the day, be sure to allow plenty of time.
• Do not forget to bring your completed Exam Pass for each exam and a photo ID. You may print your exam pass from the “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes” portion of the Syllabus button in your Blackboard course site.
• Be prepared to stow your personal items, not permitted during your exam, including your cell phone (that must be turned off), in the manner required by the testing center (generally in a locker). Simply placing your phone on “silent” is not enough. You are not permitted access to anything other than your exam while testing, unless expressly stated in the exam instructions.
• If your exam is not working properly in Bb (ex. unable to type in a textbox, audio files not working, images missing) or if you feel your exam did not submit properly, please notify testing center staff immediately so they may help you troubleshoot the problem. The testing center staff is well versed in the “tricks” of Blackboard
• If you are taking multiple exams, you will be required to go through the line for each exam that you are taking.

ProctorU

Some courses offer online testing through ProctorU. Courses offering this option will be listed in Blackboard under the links, “Taking Exams and Using Exam Passes”, “Syllabus” or“Announcements”.

• If you choose to use this online proctoring service, schedule to take your exam(s) through ProctorU at least 72 hours prior to testing to avoid a late fee.
• If it is your first time using ProctorU, sign in 15 minutes early to set up your computer.
• Be sure to have your photo ID ready.

In addition to being rested and well-prepared, be sure to have a healthy meal or snack before taking your exam(s). The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the better your testing outcome.

As an ELI (NOVA) student, you are expected to follow the code of conduct for all NOVA students outlined in the NOVA Student Handbook

Good luck on your exams!

Finding the Motivation to Study

If the end of summer blues are getting down and it is taking every ounce of energy to pull it together and work on that research paper, study for that upcoming quiz or get started on that assigned reading, below are some strategies to help overcome motivational obstacles:

·         Prior to beginning to study, engage in an activity that you enjoy such as taking a brisk walk, going to a yoga class or listening to upbeat music.

·         Engage in a creative hobby that doesn’t take up too much time.  If drawing or doodling ignites your creative energy, participating in something creative may help inspire you to tackle that long list of homework assignments.

·         Create a clutter-free space to work in.  Set a timer and give yourself 5-10 minutes to clear all of the unnecessary paper, mail and books out of your way in an effort to create an efficient work space.  Less clutter helps to promote better focus and less distractibility.

·         Create a medley of uplifting music.  Whatever your preference, whether it’s 80’s music, country or broadway tunes, keep this upbeat music handy as a motivational tool to lift your spirits and increase your energy.

·         Look for ways to laugh.  Laughter is known to boost mood and promote relaxation.  Whether it’s a silly card from a friend or family member, a funny joke or TV show, keep a “laughter file” that contains your favorite jokes and sayings or clips of TV episodes that made you laugh.  Call on these resources when you are feeling stressed and need to lighten the mood before you study.

·         Add your favorite colors to your décor.  Certain colors can spark a feeling of tranquility (i. e., blue and green) or excitement (i. e., oranges and reds).   If you notice that your mood feels more positive in response to a particular color or shade,  use that color in the everyday objects you access like a coffee mug, a bath mat or a comforter.  If you have the time and plan on redecorating, pick colors for your chair and desk that enhance these positive moods.

·         Stay hydrated and eat snacks that balance a protein with a carbohydrate such as almond butter and crackers, trail mix with dried fruit or oatmeal with skim milk.  Also, rather than reach for a soda or a glass of fruit juice with contains an abundance of sugar, replace it with a glass of water with lemon; believe it or not, staying hydrated is a great way to stay energized for challenging tasks and doesn’t produce the “crash-like” aftereffects of sugary beverages.

·         Stretch your muscles to enhance circulation.  Identify the areas where your muscles are stiff and research some appropriate stretching exercises so that you don’t feel sore while sitting for long periods during study time.  It would be a good idea to incorporate stretching exercises after every 30 seconds that you are sitting.

·         Appeal to your senses by identifying a natural scent that motivates and inspires you like your favorite tea, a flower, a scented candle or aromatherapy oils which you can purchase at any health food store.  Incorporate some deep breathing exercises as a way to enhance the “relaxation effect” that the scent induces.

·         If all else fails and that motivational roadblock is too stubborn to break through, start over.  Change into some comfortable clothes or a colorful shirt that makes you smile; have a brief conversation with a good friend, read an article that grabs your attention, talk to distant relatives that you are close with.  Incorporate those things that bring you comfort and joy so that when you approach that looming assignment, you do so feeling relaxed and exhilarated.

For more information on this topic, visit this link.

Outside Northern VA? Allow extra time for Proctor Request Forms

As an ELI or distance learning student, you will be required to take proctored exams. There are several ways to do this. The first, and most common way, is to take your exams at one of the six campus testing centers. A link to the Testing Center Calendar featuring the hours of operation for each, is located on the main ELI webpage.

One alternative for students, who are located outside of the service area of the campus testing centers, is to request a proctor using a Proctor Request Form. The link for the form also appears on the main ELI webpage under Announcements. Please be sure to read the form carefully and submit it in a timely manner. It takes 3-5 business days for these forms to be processed so, don't wait until the day before the test!

A third way to take tests that is course-specific is called Proctor U. ProctorU, an online proctoring service, is available for select courses for a fee of $7.50 per exam. To see if your course has the ProctorU service as an option, please check the Exams and/or Announcements pages of your Blackboard course, or ask your instructor. You must be 18 or older and meet minimum technical system requirements to use ProctorU. The specific requirements are listed on the ProctorU website.

5 Mid-Semester Testing Tips You Need To Know

Late June – early July is the period of heaviest testing for the Summer 2013 semester at ELI.  Exams are due for all sessions, 6, 8, and 12 week.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when taking exams during this period.

1.       Never wait until the last minute to test.  Crowds can be large, lines long, and Blackboard can be affected by the volume.

2.       Avoid Saturdays, if at all possible.  If you cannot, please arrive at or before the testing center opening time.  If your course offers exam proctoring through ProctorU, consider using that option, keeping in mind item number one.  Blackboard is affected everywhere during high volume periods.

3.       Please note there can be lines during this period, even during what might normally be slow times at your campus testing center.  Plan to arrive earlier than you normally would at other times during the semester.

4.       Be sure to have your completed exam pass and your photo ID ready when you arrive.  Anything that speeds up the process of getting students into the center and exams started is beneficial to all.

5.       Please keep in mind testing center staff are doing the best they can with the resources they are provided.  A smile can go a long way to make everyone’s experience a pleasant one.

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Amazing Grade Calculator

Ever wonder how your final exam or mid-term is going to affect your final grade in a course? For many students, doing well on an exam can mean the difference between passing or failing a course.  Perhaps you are a terrible test taker or get really bad test anxiety.  The good news is you can stress less and prepare more effectively if you know what grade you need to pull on a test to achieve your goal grade.  To support your goal, this Amazing Grade Calculator can help you calculate your grade to-date and show how a test score will impact your final grade in the course.  *Don’t forget to hit the ‘Calculate!’ button at the bottom of the page to see your results!