Thinking and Test Taking Skills

New skills Thinking strategies Test Taking Strategies

Thinking Skills Knowledge (who, what, how, when) Comprehension (classify, define, show, translate) Application (predict, explain) Analysis (distinguish, relate) Synthesis (create, make, solve, compose) Evaluation (defend, compare, appraise, judge)

Know the subject matter and How to take the test! Become Testwise! Know the subject matter and How to take the test!

Research shows That you can gain as many as 20 points simply by becoming testwise! Your approach to studying should be determined by the type of test.

Types of Tests Objective (multiple choice, true/false, matching, fill-in-the-blank) Subjective (essay)

Types of Tests Standardized – established norms (average compared against others) ex. SAT Non-standardized – (tests gauged to measure the student’s knowledge of specific content) ex. A Spanish midterm

Test Anxiety Can block memory and prevent you from doing well Symptoms – nervousness, fear, nonstop talking, withdrawal, fidgeting, dread, putting yourself down, lack of concentration, nausea, sweaty palms, sleeplessness, nosebleeds, memory blocks, worry, anger, bloating, procrastination to study

Stop Anxiety Redirect your energy way from the worry Plan your attack – visualize, daydream, make up a story, recall the strategies that you’ve learned, breathe, notice your tense muscles, do some cross lateral “brain gym” (right hand to left side, left hand to right side in quick movements) Believe in yourself!!!

Prepare for the Test Use any calendar to plan your study Know the types of questions the teacher will ask Get information and support from other students Use note-taking strategies, create study sheets.

Steps to study Review all class and reading notes, handouts, study sheets, texts course outlines, out of class assignments. Divide material into what you know well, what you need to review, and what is completely unfamiliar (color code or label material a/green=know well; b/yellow review; c/red=unfamiliar)

Create flashcards Using PowerPoint or index cards…study vocabulary/definitions, formulas, lists of causes, summaries of concepts. Turn chapter headings and subheadings within chapters into possible test questions Form a study group

Rest Quickly review the material just before going to sleep Get a full night’s sleep before a test Have a positive attitude Even if you feel nervous, try to be optimistic (fake it till you make it!)

Qualifying words Get in the habit of reading test instructions and questions carefully. Qualifying words are terms that change the meaning of another word or phrase.

Qualifying Words Negatives – be alert to negatives in objective test questions such as multiple choice or true/false. Circle the negative words. Double Negatives – contain two negatives – usually one word and one prefix: ie., He is not unathletic. Then reread and answer.

Examples This is what you know: Living things that can move are classified as animals.

Do these mean the same thing? Living things that can move are generally classified as animals. Living things that can move are always classified as animals. Living things that can move are sometimes classified as animals. Most living things that can move are classified as animals.

Meaning? Some living things that can move are classified as animals. All living things that can move are classified as animals. Circle the word to fix your attention on that word and consider the question and your answer carefully.

Guessing? You should guess as your last resort. …if you don’t know the answer and …if you are not penalized for guessing.

During testing Make a conscious effort to relax. Highlight key words and phrases from any directions Look over the entire test first looking at the types of questions. Budget your time…write down how much time you will devote to each section. Allow time to check the test.

During The Test The first time you go through the test, always choose or fill in an answer for every question and flag the ones you aren’t sure of. Circle the number, draw a star or question mark beside the question.

Read, read, read Read all directions twice. Circle key words Be careful not to read more into questions than is actually there. Ignore how fast or slowly your classmates are working and proceed steadily. Never change an answer unless it is clearly wrong.

Answer only the question being asked. Essays Draw a mind map or create an outline on the back of the test or scrap paper. Answer only the question being asked. Writing everything on the test in hopes that some points will be given wastes time.

If you get stuck Reread the question and break it down into small units. Search for clue words Carefully reread the question and any answer choices Visualize the event, notes, or section of the book Brainstorm associated concepts

Multiple Choice Read all choices before making a decision Eliminate obvious wrong answers

True/False Usually there are more true answers than false because they are easier to write. If the question is confusing, break it down into two parts. Watch for qualifying words..because, no one, only, generally, some, never. All parts of a statement must be true before it can be true.

Matching Columns Read both columns before starting. If one column is longer, work here first. Cross off the answers you’ve used as you go. Do the easiest matches first. Match tough ones last through the process of elimination.

Fill-in-the-blank Clue words can indicate a vowel or consonant at the beginning of the answer such as “a” or “an”. Clue words can indicate whether an answer is singular or plural “the”, “these”, “those”, or “they”. Often, they appear after the blank.

Remember Many times teachers use sentences taken from the text or math problems identical to ones gone over in class If you are given a study guide, USE IT. The teacher is telling you what will be on the test.

Anticipate test questions Map out possible answers Essay Questions Anticipate test questions Map out possible answers Three main ingredients of an essay: Knowledge of the subject Organizing of ideas Writing skills

During the test Note how many points each essay is worth. Jot down a few phrases about each question as you read through the questions Read all of the questions and it will keep you from repeating information. Decide on a time limit for each question.

Worth Asking Before the day of the test, ask your teacher if he or she would consider letting the class make a 2” x 2” square notecard that can be used during the test Can help reduce test day anxiety Forces you to study and evaluate which information deserves to go on the card