Students who face resits at the University of Dundee this week are feeling confident and calm after a two week intensive revision programme devised by teaching experts at the University to ensure that the students improve their exam skills to get through this vital stage.
Kathleen McMillan, Academic Skills Advisor, explains: "Most students fail exams because they have not taken the time and space to prepare themselves properly. We wanted to devise a programme that gives students a structured programme for revision so they can plan, revise and feel confident when they go into the exam.
The PREP programme which was devised by Kathleen McMillan and Jonathan Weyers is an innovative programme of exam skill sessions, structured study time, one to one discussions with tutors and a buddy system where students can discuss study problems with others taking the same exams.
Morgan McDonald (20), a third year engineering student from Largs said; "The course has really motivated me. It's easier to get up in the morning to study if you know you'll meet with others for a class at the beginning of the day and set a schedule for your revision. I didn't miss my passing by much the first time round but this preparation course has given me the extra edge to pass."
Caroline Hendry, a second year law student explained: "I've learned a lot from my 'study buddy'. There are parts of the course which I don't understand but my study buddy does. When she explains it to me I find it a lot easier to pick up and I can explain to her the concepts that I find easy."
Philip Douglas (19) from Kilwinning said; "I find the one to one time with tutors valuable. I can discuss my daily study issues with them and they take the extra time to answer my queries. I have enjoyed the PREP programme and am feeling confident about passing my exams."
Jonathan and Kathleen won last year's award for innovative teaching at the University of Dundee for their Advance @Dundee website - a site that supports students in personal transferable skills. The Learning Enhancement Unit are committed to using innovative teaching methods to improve teaching and learning techniques for both staff and students at the University of Dundee./ENDS