#midsemesteranalysis

This is possibly the most important post that I write on getting results during the semester, so although quite long please read through the post.

Last semester during the intrasemester break I sat down to think what I had done well so far, what needed improvement, and which units required most attention. It worked: I had a better idea which units I really had to focus on, which assignments to prioritise, and what the estimated results would be leading to final exams. This semester I decided to do the same analysis again, and although the break is now behind us it's not too late to do this as it'll help with the rest of the semester and prepping for final exams.

I used large sheets of paper and colored markers when doing the analysis, but feel free to use what ever medium (whiteboard, Excel, notebook...) works the best. Here's what I did:

Start by looking back at the semester so far, and list all things working well. These could be things like collaborating with your peers, succeeding with online assessments, returning assignments on time etc. If you feel it's working well note it down, and try to also make further notes why you think something is going particularly awesomely.

Next jot down everything you feel requires improvement using the same idea. Stop to think at each point what you could do to fix the issue, also make a note how urgent or serious you feel this is. Once that's done list all issues in order of priority making the most pressing issue first.

Next is the big one: analysing each unit in detail. Do the following for every unit of the semester.

Start by listing every assessment item with the percentile it contributes to the final grade, these are listed in the learning guide.

Break down each item, e.g. if you have 5 pracs totaling 10% make a separate line for each 5 pracs. Then for each completed prac note down the mark you received, e.g. 2/2%. Your marks should be in vUWS under My Grades.

Next, for each assessment item yet to be graded estimate the marks you are likely to get. You can do this by averaging out marks already received and using that as a guide. E.g. if you have had 3 labs out of 5 add up the marks you have got and divide by 3, mark the remaining labs with the average grade, and add up to get an estimated total. 

Note: it's always better to estimate a lower than a higher mark - to assume you'll ace all assignments might make you lose focus, but if you end up with a higher than expected grade then woohoo!

For tasks that are worth a large chunk of the final grade, and/or you are struggling with, should become a priority to focus on. Write notes next to each task detailing what you need to do to ace it, and then list them based on importance and effort required; when you study the unit you know what to tackle first.

Once you've estimated marks for all assessments add them all up, see example below:

Labs: 18 / 20%

Written assignment: 13 / 15%

Tutorials: 9 / 10%

Participation: 5 / 5%

Estimated total of assessments: 45 / 50%

Now use the estimated total to see how you need to perform at the final exam to get the grade you want. See below continuing from the previous example:

Estimated total of assessments: 45 / 50%

Final exam worth: 50%

Exam result required for High Distinction: 85% - 45% = 40% (HD threshold - assessment total)

Exam result required for Distinction: 75% - 45% = 30% (D threshold - assessment total)

Exam result required for Credit: 65% - 45% = 20% (C threshold - assessment total)

Last step: look at the estimated total of assessments for all units, and rank the units from lowest to highest. This gives you further idea which units require most work; to continue from here check the notes you made against each assessment task and you should have a plan how to get that grade.

If you made notes on paper it’s worthwhile typing them to a spreadsheet or series of pages e.g. in OneNote. It’s easier to edit and rearrange tasks and notes in a digital form, and they’ll always be handy if they live in your laptop/USB/cloud.

Most importantly, use the information and update it as results roll in. It's all well to plan and analyse everything you do, but in the end the data is only as useful as how you use it.

Good luck with the end of the semester!

What am I doing this week:

Reeling from the shock known as the exam timetable (more on that next week)