11-16-2007, 05:41 PM
here's the write-up I did on the test right after I took it.
The primary resource I used in studying was InstantCert flashcards. I was using this test to see how well the IC flashcards worked, because it was the first time I'd ever used them. Before taking the test I worked through each section of IC cards until I was consistently getting 100% correct. First I learned the cards in order. This helped me to learn the events in the order they happened. However, after the first or second time through I was starting to memorize the order of answers rather than the order of events. So, as soon as I started getting them all correct I randomized the order to be sure I was learning the facts, not just the order of answers. I would count a section as "learned" once I was consistently getting 100% of the randomized cards. After learning a section I would review it at least once daily to keep it fresh.
The second resource was REA's US History book. I actually started with this, because I hadn't heard of IC yet. I started working through the book making my own 3 by 5 flashcards. Though this forced close attention to details, it was a slow, cumbersome and ineffective way to study (not to mention frustrating!). On top of that, I wasn't sure what to focus on so I was pretty much trying to memorize the entire book. :eek: I did this for two of the seven chapters. Once I started with the IC flashcards I just read through the book once to help get the progression of events in my head, and fill in any extra details. I also took two of the three practice exams.
The final resource was a little book put out by Berean Bible Institute, God in American History. This book was not designed for CLEP and would be unsuitable for a primary study tool. Its main value was as a second viewpoint. I had already been through most of the flashcards, so when I read it I was familiar with most of the names. It helped provide background for people that I wouldn't have had otherwise, and that helped on the test with eliminating some answers.
Results
I passed with a 68. The test itself seemed surprisingly easy in comparison to the IC flashcards. Perhaps that is because I usually went through 355 questions, and the test itself is only 120. I probably could have passed using IC alone, however the extra information I had from reading through the REA book helped quite a bit. The practice tests helped as well, because there is extra information for any wrong answer. All told, this was a really good test to start with. Very much a confidence booster--and I'm officially in love with IC flashcards!!!
The primary resource I used in studying was InstantCert flashcards. I was using this test to see how well the IC flashcards worked, because it was the first time I'd ever used them. Before taking the test I worked through each section of IC cards until I was consistently getting 100% correct. First I learned the cards in order. This helped me to learn the events in the order they happened. However, after the first or second time through I was starting to memorize the order of answers rather than the order of events. So, as soon as I started getting them all correct I randomized the order to be sure I was learning the facts, not just the order of answers. I would count a section as "learned" once I was consistently getting 100% of the randomized cards. After learning a section I would review it at least once daily to keep it fresh.
The second resource was REA's US History book. I actually started with this, because I hadn't heard of IC yet. I started working through the book making my own 3 by 5 flashcards. Though this forced close attention to details, it was a slow, cumbersome and ineffective way to study (not to mention frustrating!). On top of that, I wasn't sure what to focus on so I was pretty much trying to memorize the entire book. :eek: I did this for two of the seven chapters. Once I started with the IC flashcards I just read through the book once to help get the progression of events in my head, and fill in any extra details. I also took two of the three practice exams.
The final resource was a little book put out by Berean Bible Institute, God in American History. This book was not designed for CLEP and would be unsuitable for a primary study tool. Its main value was as a second viewpoint. I had already been through most of the flashcards, so when I read it I was familiar with most of the names. It helped provide background for people that I wouldn't have had otherwise, and that helped on the test with eliminating some answers.
Results
I passed with a 68. The test itself seemed surprisingly easy in comparison to the IC flashcards. Perhaps that is because I usually went through 355 questions, and the test itself is only 120. I probably could have passed using IC alone, however the extra information I had from reading through the REA book helped quite a bit. The practice tests helped as well, because there is extra information for any wrong answer. All told, this was a really good test to start with. Very much a confidence booster--and I'm officially in love with IC flashcards!!!
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