Instructors. Instructors can make the test preparation process easier by doing the following:
• They can provide plenty of advance warning about exactly when exams will occur and assignments will be due.
• By being prepared (e.g., materials needed for a presentation are ready), instructors can be clear and coherent in their presentations, giving presentations that are neither too general nor too detailed. Well-prepared presentations include examples and analogies that make the content understandable.
• They can discuss readings and assignments in class, making clear how assignments relate to course goals.
• They can identify the content that should be emphasized during study and make important connections between different concepts and details presented in the course.
• There is productive interaction between students and the teacher in class. The good instructor asks pertinent questions. If students falter in responding, the instructor provides scaffolding in the form of hints or more specific questions. Good instructors also field student questions. The instructor seeks to improve student understanding through responses to student questions, rather than implying in responses that students are deficient in their understanding.
• All interactions with supportive instructors are friendly and respectful of students, treating all students fairly, never playing favorites.
• In general, good instructors emphasize improvement and effort by each student rather than competition between students. Students reported that it helped if the professor sent the message that, ‘‘You will do fine if you exert a little more effort.’’
• Good instructors are available for consultation outside of class.
• They can provide old tests, indicating the format, content coverage emphasis, and the required depth and length of good answers to test questions. Such information was cited as critical for knowing how to study for upcoming tests. The students reported that there is much variability between professors with respect to the types of examinations used, but there was also great variability within professors as well. Thus, the professor who is helpful to students in preparing for exams is providing information throughout the course.
• They do not provide the exact exams used previously. Provision of exact questions results in students memorizing answers to the forthcoming test.
• They only test on material that has been covered or assigned.
• Often they will provide helpful notes pertaining to especially critical content.
• They provide adequate time to take tests, and students are aware of this, with the result being reduced anxiety.