T EST TAKING T IPS FROM TESTING MADE EASY W ORKSHOP BY M C G ILL O FFICE FOR S TUDENTS WITH D ISABILITIES

B EFORE A TEST 1. Keep up with your coursework Stay on top of all assignments Do readings before each class Review notes after every class 2. Start studying in advance Don’t cram! Create a study schedule Plan 2-hr study sessions

B EFORE A TEST 3. Study strategies Organize material and notes Create flash cards, mind maps, tables, graphs Do/create practice questions Plan study groups 4. Prepare psychologically Know where/when exam is Get at least 7 hours of sleep Use positive self-talk and relaxation techniques

D URING A TEST Write down important info on back of paper Survey test and budget your time o Weigh value of questions o Look at length of questions Decide on starting point o Answer easiest questions first Read directions for each section of the test

D URING A TEST Read questions very carefully Put a mark next to the questions that need special attention or that you have skipped Make notes on the back of the exam sheet with the associated exam question number Use highlighters o Identify different ideas/terms/categories with different colours

D URING A TEST PIRATE (Holzer, Madaus, Bray & Kehl, 2009) P : Prepare to succeed PASS Put name and PIRATES on exam Allot time and order to test sections/questions Say positive affirmations/self-talk Start within 2 minutes of getting the test

D URING A TEST PIRATE (Holzer, Madaus, Bray & Kehl, 2009) I : Inspect instructions R : Read, Remember and Reduce A : Answer or abandon the question T : Turn back to abandoned questions E : Estimate/make an Educated guess for questions that you are unsure of

A FTER A TEST Look through your mistakes Look for patterns of mistakes Correct your mistakes Count up your correct answers Read through all comments

T O FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TEST - TAKING STRATEGIES : Sign up for this workshops at References Diaz del Castillo, P. (2013). Create your own toolbox to manage your academic anxiety. [Powerpoint Presentation]. Holzer, M. L., Madaus, J. W., Bray, M. A., & Kehle, T. J. (2009). The test-taking strategy intervention for college students with learning disabilities. Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 24, doi: /j x Pauk, W. & Owen, R. J. (2011). How to study in college. (10 th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning. Wong, L. (2012). Essential study skills. (7 th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.