Let’s Talk Final Exams
Let’s talk final exams…
May 6, 2024
Backwards planning is a strategic approach where you start with the end goal in mind and work backward to create a plan to achieve that goal. Here's how you can use backwards planning for finals:
1. Identify Final Exam Dates:
List down the dates for each final exam.
2. Determine What You Need to Achieve:
Set your goal for each exam (e.g., desired grade, level of understanding).
3. Break Down Content:
Divide the content for each subject into manageable chunks or topics.
4. Allocate Study Time:
Estimate how much time you need to study each topic thoroughly. Consider the complexity of the material and your current understanding.
5. Create a Study Schedule:
Start from the final exam date and work backward.
Assign specific topics to study each day, ensuring that you cover all material before the exam.
Allocate more time to difficult subjects or topics you're less familiar with.
6. Include Review Sessions:
Schedule review sessions in the days leading up to each exam to reinforce learning and clarify any remaining questions.
7. Factor in Breaks and Rest:
Don't forget to include breaks and rest days in your schedule to prevent burnout and maintain productivity.
8. Set Milestones:
Set milestones for completing certain sections of material or achieving specific study goals along the way.
9. Stay Flexible:
Be prepared to adjust your plan as needed. If you find that you need more time for a particular topic, adjust your schedule accordingly.
Example Backwards Planning Schedule:
Final Exam: Biology
Exam Date: May 15th
Backwards Plan:
May 15th: Final Exam
May 13th-14th: Review sessions
May 10th-12th: Review chapters 5-8
May 7th-9th: Review chapters 1-4
May 5th-6th: Practice questions for chapters 1-4
May 3rd-4th: Practice questions for chapters 5-8
May 1st-2nd: Study chapters 5-8
April 29th-30th: Study chapters 1-4
April 26th-28th: Introduction to chapters 1-4