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Can we do exams? Yes we can!

Exam preparation and digital resources Ushapa Fortescue Moscow, Russia October 2012

Introduction

How we can prepare students for exams

Underprepared Overwhelmed

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Yes we can!

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Outline of the session…

• The problems students have with exams • How we can help them over come some of these problems • How to relax and empower students about exams • Digital resources 4

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Why students don’t do well in exams

In small groups, brainstorm the:

reasons why students don’t do well in exams

Think of specifics.

You have two minutes! 5

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Reasons students don’t do well in exams

Missed answering part of the question Misread the question 6

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Not enough revision or revised the wrong things Didn’t write/say enough Ran out of time in exam Got too stressed in the exam and froze Didn’t answer the question accurately

Reasons students don’t do well in exams

Preparation Exam performance

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Reasons students don’t do well in exams

Preparation Exam performance

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The main reasons students do well in exams

Prepared Confident

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Simple logic

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Preparation

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail 11

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Make it manageable

“There’s only one way to eat an elephant, one piece at a time”

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Getting familiar with the exam

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Practise makes perfect!

Past papers

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Answer the question!

If the monkey wants a banana, give the monkey a banana!

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Highlight the bananas!

Writing

Write a formal letter of 120-150 words applying for the job in the advert.

Reading

Read the texts. Match the texts (A-E) with the statements (1-7).

Each text can be used more than once.

Write the line number where you can find evidence of the statement. 17

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Speaking

• Fluency • Accuracy • Pronunciation/stress • Variety of language (grammar accuracy)

•Confidence!

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Solutions-speaking

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2 minute topics Family Holidays Films Music

What kind of art do you like?

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Talk about a restaurant you really liked Do you think that aliens exist?

Crib sheets Compare And Contrast

On the other hand, In contrast too, Whereas,

Describe the picture

The first picture clearly shows……

For and against

In my opinion, It can be said,

Adding more information

Another point is, Firstly, Secondly, In addition to this..

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Writing

Start Plan the answer End 23

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Check the answer

Reading

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Listening

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Relate it to them

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Helping with revision

When?

Where?

How?

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Revision tips

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Revise in a way that suits you

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Revision techniques for visual learners

• use pictures • make mind maps • make big colourful posters • colour code notes • key words on “post-its” 30

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Example mind map

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Revision techniques for auditory learners

• talk over the work with someone else • tape notes and play them back • listen to music while revising – no words • make up rhymes or raps about work • get someone to ask them questions about the work 32

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Revision techniques for kinaesthetic learners

• notes on cards and sequence them • walk between notes or “post-its” on the floor • walk around while reading • stand up – stretch or exercise – at least every 20 minutes • draw pictures, mind maps – run a finger between the words on the map, say each one out loud 33

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In the exam

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To sum up…..

• Identify why students fear exams • Make everything “bite size” • Give lots of practise • Make lessons fun • Build their confidence 35

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Digital Resources

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It’s their world

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What’s available?

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itools

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Websites

www.oup.com/elt/solutions www.oup.com/elt/teachers/solutions www.oup.com/elt 40

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www.oup.com/elt/solutions

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www.oup.com/elt/solution s

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Apps for phones and iPads

Graded readers Oxford Bookworms Dictionaries 47

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Course book Specific apps

Words app

Look it up:

Choose how you view words from Solutions 2nd edition: by unit, by topic, or as a dictionary. Over 1000 useful words included for each level.

Define:

Choose a word and tap on the screen to see the definition and word in context.

Listen:

Tap on the audio icon to hear the word spoken in English. Repeat and improve.

Practise:

quizzes: Design and play our interactive Test your knowledge of the meanings of words with our multiple choice quizzes Drag and drop words into contextual sentences to check how words are used 48

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To sum up……..

• Technology engages teenagers • It changes the learning environment • Students can access learning more conveniently • Investigate what’s available • Experiment with the new technology 49

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Can we do exams? Yes we can!

Thank you for your participation!

[email protected]

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