Mid-Term Analysis

In my blog for this week, I plan to analyze the midterm and the method I used to prepare for the exam.  I will also consider the collaboration and the effectiveness of utilizing wiki.

I am a very methodical student when it comes to preparing for tests. I have established a system that has been extremely beneficial to me as a student. I read and highlight the chapter, outline highlighted information, create flashcards and then review. This is a long and enduring process resulting in hundreds of flashcards and a very sore hand.

This method has been successful for me in the past.  However, it might not always be the most streamline method. I feel so much of my time is consumed collecting the information to study and not actually processing the information. I feel this is why sometimes I over analyze essay questions. I have learned so much information that sometimes it is hard to focus and narrow down all the relevant information into an organized response.

The discussion posts each week were valuable in understanding the details of the concepts and then personally applying and reviewing others work.  It was also beneficial in preparing for the test especially with problematic concepts such as attractors or second order change.   

I feel using wiki was a useful approach to help prepare for the midterm.   However, I do not think the method was logical in order to study the information accurately. Instead of focusing and grasping concepts of the relevant information, I spent more time searching for articles that extended my knowledge.   However, I do believe using wiki and the collaborative group effort was a great idea.   

As I approached the midterm, to be honest, I had no idea what to expect. I studied more theories than I ever knew was possible in regards to career development. The test was challenging but manageable. The multiple-choice questions were application questions and required time in order to answer thoughtfully.   I felt the test centered around five main theories and eliminated other information.  I also struggled on organizing my ideas for the essay question since I spent so much time and concentration on the multiple-choice questions.

In order to benefit future classes, I believe an in-class review session could be beneficial in order to ask questions in person. I also think chapter quizzes would be helpful in understanding the type of questions and a way to re-inforce the important concepts.

To summarize, I feel my grade thus far on the test is a true indication of the amount of time I spent preparing for the test, the number of flashcards I made and the hours I spent studying.  The test was a midterm, and I know with midterms there comes a lot of information. I have learned a lot of pertinent information in this class so far, and I am looking forward to the challenges the second half brings.