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Preparing for Examinations in Theology. Workshop 21 November, 2008. Before we begin . Take two minutes to jot down a few thoughts for yourself (not for sharing) so be honest What most worries me about the exams is .. Outline of the Session. A general overviewWhy examinations?Revision what and
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2. Preparing for Examinations in Theology Workshop 21 November, 2008
3. Before we begin … Take two minutes to jot down a few thoughts for yourself (not for sharing) so be honest
What most worries me about the exams is ….
4. Outline of the Session A general overview
Why examinations?
Revision –what and how
On the day
An examiner’s view of examinations
Subject by Subject
Systematic Theology
Moral Theology
Scripture
Questions and Comment
5. Why examinations? Examinations are part of the learning process
An element in assessment
The assessment has already started – Continuous Assessment
Stimulus to order your thoughts
Help you to think under pressure
Satisfaction of knowing that you have studied
Step on the way to your degree and future career
7. Revision –what and how Revision: a. The action of revising or looking over again; esp. critical or careful examination or perusal with a view to correcting or improving. Also spec., the action of going over a subject that has already been learnt, esp. in preparation for an examination. (Oxford English Dictionary)
8. “going over a subject that has already been learnt”
You are (well, should not be) not seeing it for the first time!
Reviewing – putting into order all the material at your disposal e.g.
Course outline
Lecture Notes – lecturer’s handouts and your own
Text Book
MOODLE
Notes of your reading and study
9. Get a framework!
What was the aim of this course?
If in doubt, look at the aim in Course Module in Kalendarium
What were the main sections – how do they relate to one and other?
Test yourself!
Try to write outline answers to possible questions without consulting the textbook or notes
11. How to Revise What works for you
We are all different and work to different rhythms
Spread it out – don’t leave it to the end
Revise actively
Note-taking
Learning – e.g. definitions
Synthesizing – making connections
Test yourself e.g. questions in text-book
Half hour of active revision better than two just turning over the pages
If you get stuck, take a break – walk, coffee etc
12. Practical Tips Time of Day
We are all different and work to different rhythms
Alone or with others?
What works for you
If working with others, need discipline!
e.g. time, place, how long will we work, what method will we use …
A Balanced Life
Don’t let the other bits of your life disappear
Socialising, sport, family
Fresh air helps the brain
Adequate sleep
Drink and study don’t mix
13. A Word to Mature Students Your first exams are another adventure – enjoy it!
Your fears are reasonable e.g.
‘I’ve never done a written exam before’
You’ve done lots of new things since September!
‘The old memory lets me down’
but it is not just memory work
How will I get through so much?
Take it in stages and pace yourself
Talk about them to your mentor or lecturers
14. At the Examination Read the instructions you will get before the examination carefully
Check the time-table for
exam dates
Times
Place – Ist Theology exams usually in Top Loftus
First day check your seat on the plan
Arrive on time but not too early
Comparing notes with others can make you nervous
15. Fill out all the details at top of the script, and each subsequent one fully and correctly
Follow the instructions of the invigilators
Follow instructions on the question paper
If it says ‘two questions’ do two, not three
Take some time to plan the answer – rough work
Keep an eye on the clock
Read the final product before the end
17. What do I do if I get a blank?
Pause for breath and relax
Look at your rough work
Try writing a couple of sentences at the end of your rough work
Continue
only in very extreme cases should you start all over again
18. What are they looking for?
An examiner’s view of examinations
20. Examiner’s View of Exams 1. We are on your side!
An exam not an attempt to trip you up
We love to see you thinking!
We do not have to meet a ‘failure quota!’
Failing you means more work for us!
We DO like you and want you to do well
21. I need to be able to read your paper, so write clearly
keep your handwriting neat
use space intelligently
skip a few lines between answers
number answers as on exam paper
you are not illuminating the Book of Kells, so no colours please
22. Answer the question as it is set, not as you wish it had been set
Exam questions are never set in the ‘tell everything you know about …’ format
Make sure you understand what the question means – note words like
‘Outline …’
‘Discuss ..’
‘Compare …’
‘Give examples …’
23. Three examples from past papers
Comment on the two versions of the Covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15 and 17, highlighting any important points of theological interest. (Scripture)
Outline the teaching of Dei Verbum on the transmission of divine revelation. (Systematic)
Underlining in the original paper.
Write a short note on each of the following (a) principle of double effect, (b) intrinsically evil acts (c) formal and material norms. Give examples of each. (Moral)
24. It helps to have a beginning, a middle and an end!
A logical order to your presentation – spend some time marshalling your ideas
A good introductory paragraph is essential
It should be an advance summary of what you intend doing in the answer
Round off with a brief conclusion
25. Be sure you understand the technical terms of your subject
Do not write out long biblical quotations (they are easier to read in the bible). Just give the reference (Chapter and verse) and enough to make your point
Please re-read your paper for spelling and writing mistakes
26. Common errors in exam scripts
over-use of apostrophe
Apostrophe is a sign of possession, not plural.
But ‘it’s’ means ‘it is,’ not ‘of it’
confusion of ‘where’ and ‘were’, ‘there’ and ‘their’
using past participle for past tense – e.g. ‘she done’ for ‘she did,’ ‘he rung’ for ‘he rang’
do not use ‘textese’
28. After the Exams … Take a rest!
We look forward to seeing you back for second semester – begins 2 February
Interim results (letter grade A, B, C etc) will be posted on the notice board according to numbers
‘interim’ because all results need to be passed by Examination Board – in your interests
If you have a query, there is a Consultation Day
30. A student’s prayer O wise God, I pray that my mind might be rested, my body energized, and my spirit inspired for the exam I must write. Grant me peace and assurance so that I might do the best I am able, regardless of what that might be. Be with my fellow students and may I be a good example to them, offering reassurance and confidence regardless of how I feel. May I be honest and insightful, and able to give a true record of what I have learned. In the end, may any disappointment be borne with grace, and any joy accompanied with humility. I write this exam with you, O Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.