Exam Hacks

Different exams - different ways to prepare

At the IT University, you can experience a number of different exam forms, either oral, written or a combination. Depending on the type of exam, you need to prepare in different ways. 

The overall goal with an exam is to test the boundaries of your knowledge and your newly acquired competences in order to grade you. 

We have gathered some advice to help you stay motivated and to support you in preparing for your different exams.

Good advice fore your exam preparation

Old typewriter writes be prepared

Why prepare?
It is important to be well-prepared for an exam, as it will not only enhance your chances of performing well, but it will also help to handle possible exam nervousness. Click link for exercise

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Begin your preparations early
The earlier you begin, the better you will be able to create an overview of the exam curriculum.

Check list and pencil

Know what is expected of you
Exams are rarely just about being able to report the course literature. In each of your course descriptions you can read in detail about the Intended Learning outcome. Use this actively to understand, what you are expected to perform at the exam.

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Read the literature with the intention to understand it
Do not just read the course curriculum to memorize it. Work with it to understand it and compare it to what you already know.

A rope about to break

Know your weak points - don't ignore them
Make sure also to study on the parts that are a bit blurry to you.

Question mark turned to exclamation mark

Use the exam preparation as an opportunity to learn
You can stage yourself as either the victim of an exam, or as the driving force for new knowledge. Choose the latter!

Mountain top and skies

Know when you peak!
Plan your exam preparation to make sure you are mentally ready for the exam and know under which circumstances you perform best.

Pencil sharpened

Accept your nervousness!
Being nervous can actually help you perform better, and it is completely normal to get nervous at an exam.

Microphone

Train your communication skills!
Work with your voice, gesticulations, pace and how you present yourself.

Two persons shaking hands

Your lecturer and external examiner are there to help
Your lecturer and external examiner ask questions to help you fulfill the course goals. Enter the discussion with a positive attitude and do not be afraid to ask them to elaborate or rephrase their questions if you need it.

How are you evaluated

During an exam, you are evaluated on your ability to fulfill the course goals, and to what extent you are able to meet them in a satisfactory way.

The examiners will base the assessment on an overall evaluation, where your performance is looked upon in its entirety.

Your examiner and the external examiner will do this based on the Intended Learning Outcomes of the course. 

See for information about the Intended Learning Outcomes here below.

Intended learning outcomes (SOLO taxonomy)

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What is the Intended learning outcomes

The Intended learning outcomes are the objectives and goals in the course and are defined by the SOLO taxonomy. Read more
This taxonomy divides a number of verbs into four levels that are each individually increasing in difficulty.
For example, "identify" is placed on a lower level than "reflect", which indicates how you need a better understanding of the course content in order to be able to reflect upon it. Read more

In many ways they are a useful way to understand what you are expected to be able to do at an exam.

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How to use the Intended Learning outcomes

Since the Intended learning outcomes are used to determine your grade at the exam, you can use them in your exam preparation.
Use them as a guide to indicate what level you are supposed to be able to understand the course content. Are you supposed to be able to analyse a problem, or is it enough for you to be able to describe it?

If you are able to fulfill all the Intended learning outcomes successfully, you will receive the grade 12. This goes for both oral exams, written exams and exam assignments. They are defined in the course description in the course catalogue.

How to prepare for your oral exam

Oral exam

Online oral exam