Master NOUN exams! Get expert tips, utilize essential tools, and learn proven study hacks for acing E-Exams, Pen-on-Paper (POP) exams, and Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) at the National Open University of Nigeria.
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) offers a flexible learning environment, but its assessment system – comprising Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs), E-Exams, and Pen-on-Paper (POP) exams – demands a specific set of skills and strategies. Passing these exams requires more than just reading; it calls for a deep understanding of the course material, effective time management, and smart study habits.
This guide will break down the best tips, essential tools, and effective study hacks to help you achieve excellent results in all your NOUN assessments.
Understanding NOUN’s Assessment Components
Before diving into study techniques, it’s crucial to understand how each component contributes to your final grade:
- Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs): These are continuous assessments that contribute 30% to your final grade. Each course typically has 3 TMAs, and your best scores are usually considered. They are online, multiple-choice questions.
- E-Exams (Computer-Based Tests – CBT): These are conducted at designated study centres and are typically multiple-choice (objective) questions, though some may include fill-in-the-gap or short-answer questions. They usually carry 70% of the final grade.
- POP Exams (Pen-on-Paper): These are traditional written exams, usually for higher-level courses (300L and above) or specialized programs like Law. They consist of essay-type questions and also carry 70% of the final grade.
General Study Hacks for ALL NOUN Assessments
These foundational strategies apply universally to all your NOUN courses and exams:
- Master Your e-Courseware:
- Read Actively: Don’t just skim. Read with a purpose, highlighting key concepts, definitions, and theories.
- Summarize Units: After each unit, write a brief summary in your own words. This aids comprehension and retention.
- Identify Key Terms: Pay close attention to bolded terms, headings, and subheadings. These are often indicators of important concepts.
- Create a Realistic Study Schedule:
- Consistency is Key: Dedicate specific, consistent hours each week to study. Even 1-2 hours daily is more effective than cramming once a week.
- Break Down Large Tasks: Divide your course material into manageable chunks.
- Prioritize: Focus more time on challenging courses or those with higher credit units.
- Utilize Online Facilitation:
- Attend Sessions: Join live online facilitation sessions. They provide clarification on difficult topics and insights from facilitators.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions during or after sessions.
- Review Recordings: If sessions are recorded, revisit them, especially for complex topics.
- Form Study Groups (Online or Offline):
- Peer Learning: Discussing concepts with fellow students can clarify doubts and offer new perspectives.
- Teach Others: Explaining topics to others solidifies your own understanding.
- WhatsApp/Telegram Groups: Join official or reputable study groups for your courses.
- Practice Past Questions:
- Understand Exam Format: Past questions familiarize you with the structure, style, and types of questions asked.
- Identify Hot Topics: Notice recurring themes or units that frequently appear in exams. This helps you prioritize.
- Time Management Practice: For POP, practice writing answers within time limits. For E-Exams, use mock CBT platforms.
- Source: Look for past questions on reputable NOUN student blogs, forums, or dedicated apps (see “Tools” section below).
- Healthy Lifestyle:
- Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough rest, especially before exams.
- Nutrition & Hydration: Eat well and stay hydrated to maintain focus and energy.
- Breaks: Incorporate short breaks during long study sessions to prevent burnout (e.g., Pomodoro Technique: 25 mins study, 5 mins break).
Passing NOUN TMAs (30% of your Grade)
TMAs are your first opportunity to secure a significant portion of your grade. Take them seriously!
📚 Further Reading
- Read Courseware Thoroughly FIRST: Most TMA questions are direct extractions from your e-courseware. Do not rush to “find answers online” without reading the relevant units first.
- Access TMAs on Time: The TMA portal (
elearn.nou.edu.ng) has deadlines. Ensure you complete and submit all TMAs before the closing date. - Use Search Function (Carefully): After reading, if you’re stuck, use the search function within your PDF e-courseware to locate keywords from the TMA questions.
- Attempt All TMAs: Even if you score low on one, NOUN often considers your best scores (e.g., best 2 of 3 or best 3 of 3).
- Review Answers Before Submission: Once submitted, you cannot change your answers. Double-check everything.
- Learn from Mistakes: If your score is low, go back to the courseware and understand why you got questions wrong. This helps for the main exam.
Acing NOUN E-Exams (Computer-Based Tests – CBT)
E-Exams are fast-paced and require familiarity with the CBT interface.
- Understand the Exam Format:
- Mostly Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Some courses may include Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (FBQs). Be precise with your answers for FBQs; sometimes, the exact wording from the courseware is required.
- Time Limit: Be extremely cautious of the countdown timer. Manage your time effectively.
- Practice with Mock E-Exams/CBT Platforms:
- Utilize online platforms that offer NOUN E-exam simulations (e.g., Nounbasics, NounGeeks). These help you get accustomed to the interface, timing, and question types.
- Some platforms generate questions randomly from a pool, mimicking the “question bank” system NOUN uses, where different students might get different questions.
- Read Instructions Carefully: Before you start the exam, take a moment to read all instructions on the screen.
- Time Management During the Exam:
- Prioritize: Answer the questions you are confident about first.
- Don’t Dwell: If you get stuck on a question, skip it and move on. You can always come back to it if time permits. Unanswered questions usually remain accessible until you submit or time runs out.
- Monitor Timer: Keep an eye on the countdown timer displayed on the screen.
- Utilize On-Screen Calculator (if applicable): For quantitative courses, the computer might have an inbuilt calculator. Ask the invigilator if you can use it or a physical one.
- Submit Carefully: Ensure you click the “Submit” button only when you are completely done and have reviewed your answers. Your score is usually displayed immediately after submission (for objectives).
Conquering NOUN POP (Pen-on-Paper) Exams
POP exams test your understanding and ability to articulate answers.
- Understand Question Structure:
- “Discuss,” “Explain,” “Analyze,” “Compare and Contrast,” “List and Explain”: Understand the demands of each command word.
- Marks Allocation: Pay attention to how marks are allocated per question and per sub-section. This guides how much detail to provide.
- Outline Your Answers: Before writing, quickly jot down a brief outline or bullet points for each answer. This ensures coherence and prevents you from missing key points.
- Be Precise and Concise:
- Answer the Question Directly: Avoid irrelevant information.
- Use Clear Language: Write simply and clearly.
- Paragraphs: Structure your answers into well-organized paragraphs.
- Time Management:
- Allocate Time per Question: Divide the total exam time by the number of questions. Stick to this allocation strictly.
- Don’t Overwrite: Once you’ve made your point and provided sufficient detail for the allocated marks, move on.
- Handwriting & Presentation:
- Legibility: Ensure your handwriting is readable. Examiners can’t mark what they can’t read.
- Neatness: Present your answers neatly. Use headings and subheadings where appropriate.
- Review Before Submission:
- Read through your answers to check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and clarity.
- Ensure you have answered all required questions.
Essential Tools & Resources for NOUN Students
- NOUN e-Courseware (PDFs): Your primary study material. Download all relevant courseware from this page.
- PDF Reader Apps: (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader) for reading e-courseware on your devices.
- Study Planners/Task Managers: (e.g., Google Keep, Any.do, Microsoft To Do) to organize your study schedule and deadlines.
- Note-Taking Apps: (e.g., Evernote, Notion, Google Keep) for summarizing points, jotting down questions, or creating flashcards.
- Document Scanners: (e.g., CamScanner, Adobe Scan) for digitizing notes or handwritten assignments (if required).
- Online Study Platforms/Groups: Websites and WhatsApp/Telegram groups dedicated to NOUN students that share past questions, mock exams, and study tips (e.g., Nounbasics, NounGeeks, Nounloaded, BBCNOUN). Exercise caution and verify information from unofficial sources.
- Video Conferencing Tools: (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet) for online facilitation sessions and virtual study groups.
- Grammarly (or similar): For proofreading written assignments and ensuring good grammar (especially for POP answers if you draft them digitally first).
- Flashcard Apps: (e.g., Quizlet, Anki) for memorizing definitions, terms, and key facts.
Final Words of Encouragement
Passing NOUN exams is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency, discipline, and effective study techniques are your greatest allies. Embrace the flexibility that NOUN offers, but couple it with rigorous self-management. Remember, your lecturers and facilitators are there to guide you, and your fellow students can be a valuable support system.
Stay focused, stay motivated, and apply these tips diligently. You have the potential to excel! Good luck with all your NOUN exams!
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