WIP: Effects of an Instructor-Provided Study Plan on Students' Exam Preparation

This work in progress innovative practice paper describes the implementation of an instructor-provided study plan for students that aims to help them prepare for in-class quizzes and exams. Research shows that students who manage their time and efforts efficiently develop a positive attitude towards learning. A well-designed study plan can help students reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, and consequently allocate time and efforts appropriately while preparing for quizzes and exams. There are several research-based techniques for creating effective study plans. However, many students may not be aware of these techniques, the benefits these techniques can offer, or how to implement them. This research explores the effects of an instructor-provided study plan on students' learning experience. The study plan is designed to (1) communicate the list of topics the students will be tested on, (2) help students identify their level of preparedness in each topic, (3) provide guidelines on how they can allocate their time on topics based on the results of their reflective practice, (4) help students identify study materials and resources available to them. The study plan will provide students with a template that they can print or use on their digital devices. The study plan aims to help students with strategizing and time management. It provides guidelines on managing time and gives them flexibility to create their own schedules instead of forcing a timeline. The study plan aims to provide students with an opportunity to take charge of their own learning. The pilot study will implement this study plan for a sophomore-level undergraduate course in Aerospace Engineering during the fall semester. The course has multiple closed-notes in-class quizzes and two exams. The instructor will provide a template well in advance for each in-class quiz and the exams. Since the exams are cumulative, students can also use the study plan to track the growth in their learning. An end-of-the-semester student survey will gather data on students' experiences using the plan, or reasons for not using the plan. The data from the pilot study can provide an insight into studying habits of this student cohort, and what level of guidance instructors can provide to help students with efforts and time management before an assessment.