Spring 2007

SIS Comprehensive Exam Orientation

Robert Sandusky (sandusky@utk.edu)(865) 974-2785

Chair, Comprehensive Examination CommitteeSchool of Information Sciences

University of Tennessee

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The Comprehensive Exam

• A requirement by the university for M.S. A requirement by the university for M.S. students not pursuing a thesisstudents not pursuing a thesis

• A test of sufficiency or adequacy—rather than A test of sufficiency or adequacy—rather than proficiencyproficiency——in knowledge of the fieldin knowledge of the field

• A demonstration of the ability to integrate what A demonstration of the ability to integrate what you have learned in the programyou have learned in the program

• A demonstration of your ability to propose A demonstration of your ability to propose solutions to problemssolutions to problems

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Format and Scope of the Exam

• Exam-takers will write essays to answer Exam-takers will write essays to answer questions on topics that are central to the questions on topics that are central to the field:field:• Topics introduced in the required Topics introduced in the required

coursescourses• Topics further informed by Topics further informed by

• elective courseselective courses• professional readingprofessional reading• practice in the fieldpractice in the field• observationobservation

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Nature of the Questions

• Questions regarding notions fundamental to the field (e.g., information access, information retrieval, professional issues)

• Questions requiring integration of core knowledge and concepts of the field

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Nature of the Questions

• May includeMay include• Questions regarding debatable issues Questions regarding debatable issues

(you may defend or refute an argument (you may defend or refute an argument with supporting evidence)with supporting evidence)

• Questions requiring you to propose Questions requiring you to propose solutions to current challenges facing solutions to current challenges facing the professionthe profession

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Number of Questions

• Students are required to answer 3 Students are required to answer 3 questions from a set of 5 questions questions from a set of 5 questions providedprovided

• Each question has equal value and Each question has equal value and weightweight

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Evaluation Method and Result Report

• Each response is graded as “pass” or Each response is graded as “pass” or “fail” from evaluators using a standard “fail” from evaluators using a standard formform

• Answers are evaluated by committee Answers are evaluated by committee members independentlymembers independently• Two committee members read each Two committee members read each

question and assign “pass” or “fail” marks question and assign “pass” or “fail” marks for each question evaluatedfor each question evaluated

• The chair reads The chair reads allall responses where there responses where there is even one failure is even one failure

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Evaluation Method and Result Report

• Scores are tallied: an exam-taker receiving a total of at least 6 “passes” passes

• Scores are not reported to the exam-taker; the result as to passing or failing will be sent from the director in a letter via postal service

• The exam committee will not observe the students during the exam (the proctors will)

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Anonymity of the Exam & Evaluation

• Each exam-taker will receive a randomly assigned number upon reporting for the exam (see Exam Day)• Committee members do not assign

numbers

• This number must be present on all answers

• Exam-taker’s name should not be on any answer or in any blue book

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Anonymity of the Exam & Evaluation

• The exam-taker’s identity will not be seen by the exam evaluators during the exam and evaluation period

• The committee needs two weeks or more for evaluation

• Results are then mailed to each exam-taker. • Please note that mail service may delay the

exam results

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Strategies for Preparation

• Review what you have learned: • Course syllabi usually list central concepts• Course readings usually cover important

issues• Course notes• Course projects/papers might be good

examples of applying knowledge to problem-solving

• Review recent exam questions http://www.sis.utk.edu/programs/masters/components/comps#pastQuestion

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Strategies for Preparation

Get involved with the student-Get involved with the student-driven Spring 2007 Comps wiki driven Spring 2007 Comps wiki atathttp://spring2007comps.wikispaces.http://spring2007comps.wikispaces.com/com/

Use the Blackboard site “School Use the Blackboard site “School of Information Sciences of Information Sciences Comprehensive Examination”Comprehensive Examination”Discussion boardDiscussion board

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Strategies for Preparation

Identify 3 past questions, ones that seem Identify 3 past questions, ones that seem comfortable, that you believe can handle wellcomfortable, that you believe can handle well

This strategy would be useful in selecting the 3 questions you This strategy would be useful in selecting the 3 questions you will respond to when taking the actual examwill respond to when taking the actual exam

Take 1 hour toTake 1 hour toConsider what kind of response the committee might expect Consider what kind of response the committee might expect

for each questionfor each questionCreate some form of outline for each of the 3 questionsCreate some form of outline for each of the 3 questions

Take 3 hours—normally 1 hour per questionTake 3 hours—normally 1 hour per question——to write your response to each practice to write your response to each practice question question

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Some Helpful Strategies

We are not testing your memorization skillsWe are not testing your memorization skillsDo not jump into writing the answer to an Do not jump into writing the answer to an essay right away:essay right away: Figure out what you want to sayFigure out what you want to say Create some form of an outlineCreate some form of an outline

Did you answer the question? Do not assume Did you answer the question? Do not assume you have; make it clear to a reader that you you have; make it clear to a reader that you havehave How can you do this?How can you do this?

Labeling the parts of your response keyed to the questionLabeling the parts of your response keyed to the question In the conclusion, saying what you said In the conclusion, saying what you said

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Some Helpful Strategies

Convey clarity in content Convey clarity in content First make sure you know what you are trying First make sure you know what you are trying

to say to say State what you are doing in the essayState what you are doing in the essay Provide LIS examples/references/terminology Provide LIS examples/references/terminology

Practice effective writing Practice effective writing Structure and organization Structure and organization Grammar, sentence structureGrammar, sentence structure Keep it clear and simpleKeep it clear and simple

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Stress Relief and Management

• Do not panic• Do not cram; memorization not important • Prepare at a reasonable pace (avoid last

minute crunch)• Visualize yourself taking the exam and

doing well• Recall previous test-taking successes• Get good rest, especially the few days

prior to the exam• Be positive

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Potential Distractions

• Steps are taken to ensure that students can take the exam with the least amount of stress; however, please be aware that the following distractions may occur:• Noise outside the test room may occur Noise outside the test room may occur

during typical university class changes.during typical university class changes.• Room temperature cannot always be Room temperature cannot always be

regulated by the School. If you think you regulated by the School. If you think you will be either too warm or too cool, please will be either too warm or too cool, please dress accordingly.dress accordingly.

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What Do You Need to Bring?

Bring one form of picture identification and present it if requestedExamples:

• Student ID card• Driver’s License• Passport

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What Else May You Bring to the Exam?

• Black or blue Black or blue pen if you choose to take if you choose to take the exam by handwritingthe exam by handwriting

• Printed thesaurus and/or dictionaryPrinted thesaurus and/or dictionary• Something to drink (bottled water only if Something to drink (bottled water only if

you take the exam on computer)you take the exam on computer)• Snacks that do not produce noises or Snacks that do not produce noises or

smellssmells• Quiet clock or watch (do not set audible Quiet clock or watch (do not set audible

alarms)alarms)

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What Will Be Provided?

• Bluebooks will be provided for Bluebooks will be provided for hand writershand writers

• Computers, diskettes, and paper Computers, diskettes, and paper for printing will be provided for for printing will be provided for computer exam-takerscomputer exam-takers

• Scratch paperScratch paper• Note: Note: all the above must be turned all the above must be turned

in when you complete the examin when you complete the exam

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Taking the Exam: Tips

• Budget your time in answering all 3 Budget your time in answering all 3 questionsquestions

• Prepare outlines for each question Prepare outlines for each question • Answer first the question with which you Answer first the question with which you

are most comfortable (can do them out of are most comfortable (can do them out of order) order)

• Number the question you are answeringNumber the question you are answering• ““Save” often if you take the exam using a Save” often if you take the exam using a

computercomputer• You will use WordPad, which does not have You will use WordPad, which does not have

an auto-save functionan auto-save function

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Answering Questions: Tips

• Answer the questions as asked

• Address all parts of the question• Pay attention to the verbs of the questions,

such as “define,” “identify,” “describe,” “discuss,” “propose” . . .

• Organize your essays by including: • An introduction• A narrative section• A summary and conclusions

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Answering Questions: Tips

• Support your statements with examples and/ or facts (be analytical)

• Do not write your answer for a specific committee member• Committee members often use or

modify questions from other faculty who are not on the committee

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Possible Problems to Avoid

• Missing parts or sub-questions• Incomplete answers, no answers• Lack of depth in elaboration or using

vague generalizations• “Padding” your answers• Rambling or poor organization• Identifying yourself

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Frequently Answered Questions

• How long should an essay be? How long should an essay be? • Readers focus on relevancy and substance Readers focus on relevancy and substance

of the answer, not the length.of the answer, not the length.

• Can I change from using computer to handwriting or vice versa? • NNot recommended. The proctor will assess ot recommended. The proctor will assess

the needthe need• We don’t allow changing from hand writing to

computer

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Frequently Answered Questions

Will I lose points if I misspelled words?Some misspellings may be recognizable, Some misspellings may be recognizable,

thus forgiven; others may change meaningsthus forgiven; others may change meanings—pay attention. WordPad does not have a —pay attention. WordPad does not have a spellerspeller

Can I get a drink, go to restroom?Yes, just let the proctor knowYes, just let the proctor knowLeave test materials in roomLeave test materials in room

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Exam Day/Time/Place

• Friday, March 30, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 Friday, March 30, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.p.m.

• All students must meet outside Claxton All students must meet outside Claxton Addition, Room 116 (SIS Computer Lab) Addition, Room 116 (SIS Computer Lab) beforebefore 9:00 a.m. to receive the test packet with 9:00 a.m. to receive the test packet with undisclosed numberundisclosed number

• Handwritten exam will be in Claxton Handwritten exam will be in Claxton Education Bldg., Room 210.Education Bldg., Room 210.

• Computer-based exam will be in Computer-based exam will be in Claxton Addition, Room 116Claxton Addition, Room 116

• One proctor (not a committee member) One proctor (not a committee member) will be present in each roomwill be present in each room

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Special Needs

If you need adaptations or accommodations for this exam because of a documented disability, please contact the Office of Disability Service at (865) 974-6087 immediatelyThis will ensure that you are properly

registered for servicesOnce registered, you will be given specifics

on where to report for the examMake sure that the chair has written

notification in advance

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Best Wishes To All Of You!

From the committee Dr. RobinsonDr. WatsonDr. Sandusky, ChairQuestions should be directed to chair —not

other committee members—before the date of the exam

sandusky@utk.edu or (865) 974-2785