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I've been using InstantCert to study for Intro to Psych for several days now, and I don't feel like I've learned a single thing. All I'm learning is to memorize the particular questions they're asking, but nothing is coming together for me in terms of actual understanding or meaningful retention.
Does anyone else struggle with this? From what I've read (both on the board and elsewhere on the internet), a lot of people use InstantCert ONLY to study for their exams, and they seem to have success with this. I suppose it's just not the way I learn, so I'll need to find other resources. Of course my goal is to pass the exams, but I'd prefer to do that by actually retaining and incorporating information, not rote memorization.
I'd love to hear some thoughts on this, or get some alternative study resources. Any input would help...I'm so frustrated!
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The Intro to Psych CLEP was one of the only exams I incorporated other sources of study for because of how overwhelming the subject can be. I used this ( https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...-uHOH9KVU6) series of videos by CrashCourse on YouTube to supplement my study because they were a little more fun than staring at flashcards all the time.
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CLEP:
A&I Lit - 69
Intro Psych - 67
Intro Soc - 61
American Gov - 63
Humanities - 57
Principles of Management - 57
Principles of Marketing - 64
US History I - 64
US History II - 64
Edu. Psych - 57
English Lit. - 64
Amer. Lit. - 56
Soc. Sciences and His. - 68
Western Civ I - 53
DSST (DANTES):
Intro World Religions - 453
Foundations of Education - 439
Here's to Your Health - 435
Personal Finance - 446
Criminal Justice - 449
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1truefish Wrote:I've been using InstantCert to study for Intro to Psych for several days now, and I don't feel like I've learned a single thing. All I'm learning is to memorize the particular questions they're asking, but nothing is coming together for me in terms of actual understanding or meaningful retention.
Does anyone else struggle with this? From what I've read (both on the board and elsewhere on the internet), a lot of people use InstantCert ONLY to study for their exams, and they seem to have success with this. I suppose it's just not the way I learn, so I'll need to find other resources. Of course my goal is to pass the exams, but I'd prefer to do that by actually retaining and incorporating information, not rote memorization.
I'd love to hear some thoughts on this, or get some alternative study resources. Any input would help...I'm so frustrated!
I think you have to look at things in the right light. If you were taking a class, you'd be spending 16 weeks immersed in a subject. You'd read, write, do homework, watch videos, interact with teachers and students, etc. The experience would be more than what would appear on a CLEP exam. What you're doing with IC is test prep. You're studying for an exam. In my opinion, there is a place for both. I took the time to enroll in courses that were important to me, for my major/future, and didn't worry about the time/cost issue. In other subjects, like history, I'd already studied history in K-12, so I was completely happy studying to the test; the info wasn't 100% new, so what I had to do was memorize.
Again, both serve a purpose, and if you're a teen, I'd suggest you use CLEP prep at the end of a full high school class to get you that little oomph needed to pass. If you're an adult with significant interest or grad school plans in a subject, you may benefit from choosing some courses instead of just testing. If you're an adult trying to check the box, then check the box. Cram-jam-thank you ma'am. 
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You might be happier by studying using sources like Saylor or Straighterline to both get credits and actually retain information in a meaningful way. Some people prefer to check the box by taking CBEs, while others prefer to take courses; fortunately, there are multiple ways to earn credits.
BA, MA, EdS, MMT, etc.
83 hours of ACE-worthy credits
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Have to second KayV. CLEP and DSST are structured so that the test taker memorizes what is on the test. When the test taker, takes the test, the memorized information is regurgitated. This speeds up the "learning" process so that the test taker can quickly move on to the next test. The focus is on speed, not mastery.
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My kids are using edportal and instantcert to take CBE' s as a dual credit option for high school and I am amazed at how much they are learning. The depth and breadth of their education is beyond my expectations. I think part of the difference is they are learning the material as a class and then studying the cards for the exam.
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Because it was one of the first CLEPs I took, I overstudied for it. I watched an Annenberg series on Learner.org and read an ebook on Allpsych.com.
Graduate of Not VUL or ENEB
MS, MSS and Graduate Cert
AAS, AS, BA, and BS
CLEP
Intro Psych 70, US His I 64, Intro Soc 63, Intro Edu Psych 70, A&I Lit 64, Bio 68, Prin Man 69, Prin Mar 68
DSST
Life Dev Psych 62, Fund Coun 68, Intro Comp 469, Intro Astr 56, Env & Hum 70, HTYH 456, MIS 451, Prin Sup 453, HRM 62, Bus Eth 458
ALEKS
Int Alg, Coll Alg
TEEX
4 credits
TECEP
Fed Inc Tax, Sci of Nutr, Micro, Strat Man, Med Term, Pub Relations
CSU
Sys Analysis & Design, Programming, Cyber
SL
Intro to Comm, Microbio, Acc I
Uexcel
A&P
Davar
Macro, Intro to Fin, Man Acc
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Thanks to everyone for your responses. I'm so grateful to have found this community
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1truefish Wrote:... I'd love to hear some thoughts on this, or get some alternative study resources. Any input would help...I'm so frustrated! ...
Pick up any cheap textbook on the subject. Age doesn't really matter for the intro subjects. Read the chapters, do any lessons. I find textbooks with a summary section are good to then review the material.
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CLEP and DSST exams are meant to test the knowledge equivalent to what one would learn in a semester length course. I believe those who cram using only exam prep materials are missing the point and put the whole system in jeopardy. It plays into the attitude that we are cheating the system. I am with Cory when it comes to reading a textbook. Those exams that can be passed by simply memorizing a bunch of flashcards should be eliminated. The exams should be an accurate evaluation of the knowledge equivalent to that gained in a semester length course.
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