Creating the “cheat sheet” has always seemed to me like a TEACHERS way of “cheating”, since it feels like a big bonus being allowed, but 1) the teacher can justify a WAY harder test and 2) I, at least, always learned practically everything I wrote on one, so much so that I almost didn’t need it anymore for the test, but it wasn’t officially “studying”. It was working hard to do something “easier” for a test. It was this, actually, that finally helped me learn how to study at all, and it was called “cheat sheet”.I’m with Betty on this one! Besides, how do you know where to look on a sheet for the answers, if you didn’t make it or study it? And, I’ve had teachers stipulate that you had to make your own “cheat sheets”, and have them handed in with the test to make sure the handwriting was the same as the test. So, she might just be saving the kid from an “F” anyway.
The Cheat Sheet is a very good learning/teaching tool.“Here is a 3 X 5 index card with my initials in highlighter on it. You can handwrite (no typing or computer printing or xeroxing or photos) anything you want on it. Turn it in the last day of class. When you come in to take the final exam a few days later, I will give it to you to use during the exam. Turn it in with your final exam.” They had a few days to work on it and even ask some questions before the end of the term before turning it in. This discouraged last minute cramming the night before the exam. It also avoided the need to memorize formulas and equations, which I think is the lowest, least useful form of learning. The most common comment that I received over the years was" after making out the card, I did not need to use it because I learned what I needed just making the card."It worked really well for teaching chemistry.
In a college class at Sonoma State, the final was a 2-3 page essay answering one of three questions. The question would be revealed on the day of the final. In preparation, students were to make three index cards for each question. On each card we could add as much information as we felt was necessary to write the essay answering that question. Upon entering the room on the last day of class, we were allowed to keep the card for the revealed essay question (written on the white board) while turning in the unused cards. When finished after 2 hours, the remaining card was submitted with the completed essay. A nice teaching tool with “cheat sheets.”
Phred Premium Member about 8 years ago
Making your own ‘cheat sheet’ for an exam seems like a mixed message.
Keep on keepin' on about 8 years ago
Creating the “cheat sheet” has always seemed to me like a TEACHERS way of “cheating”, since it feels like a big bonus being allowed, but 1) the teacher can justify a WAY harder test and 2) I, at least, always learned practically everything I wrote on one, so much so that I almost didn’t need it anymore for the test, but it wasn’t officially “studying”. It was working hard to do something “easier” for a test. It was this, actually, that finally helped me learn how to study at all, and it was called “cheat sheet”.I’m with Betty on this one! Besides, how do you know where to look on a sheet for the answers, if you didn’t make it or study it? And, I’ve had teachers stipulate that you had to make your own “cheat sheets”, and have them handed in with the test to make sure the handwriting was the same as the test. So, she might just be saving the kid from an “F” anyway.
eepatt about 8 years ago
The Cheat Sheet is a very good learning/teaching tool.“Here is a 3 X 5 index card with my initials in highlighter on it. You can handwrite (no typing or computer printing or xeroxing or photos) anything you want on it. Turn it in the last day of class. When you come in to take the final exam a few days later, I will give it to you to use during the exam. Turn it in with your final exam.” They had a few days to work on it and even ask some questions before the end of the term before turning it in. This discouraged last minute cramming the night before the exam. It also avoided the need to memorize formulas and equations, which I think is the lowest, least useful form of learning. The most common comment that I received over the years was" after making out the card, I did not need to use it because I learned what I needed just making the card."It worked really well for teaching chemistry.
Scoutmaster77 about 8 years ago
In a college class at Sonoma State, the final was a 2-3 page essay answering one of three questions. The question would be revealed on the day of the final. In preparation, students were to make three index cards for each question. On each card we could add as much information as we felt was necessary to write the essay answering that question. Upon entering the room on the last day of class, we were allowed to keep the card for the revealed essay question (written on the white board) while turning in the unused cards. When finished after 2 hours, the remaining card was submitted with the completed essay. A nice teaching tool with “cheat sheets.”