Preparing for and Taking TESTS Dual Enrollment Psychology Introductory Unit

Preparation 2 important questions: 2 important questions: –What topics will be covered on the test? –What is the format of the test?

When to Study Start early by reviewing notes periodically Start early by reviewing notes periodically Manage your time wisely & Develop a plan Manage your time wisely & Develop a plan If cramming works…do it! If cramming works…do it! –Studying in the minutes before the test  PROS and CONS

Definition of “Studying” NOT just memorizing NOT just memorizing NOT just restating information NOT just restating information Understanding connections between ideas Understanding connections between ideas Applying the theories/ideas Applying the theories/ideas –Higher levels on Bloom’s Taxonomy

Practice Makes Perfect! Practice the types of questions you will see on the test Practice the types of questions you will see on the test –Locate sample tests/questions –Make up your own questions  What is most likely to be asked???

Materials Needed NOTES!!! NOTES!!! Flashcards Flashcards Worksheets/Handouts Worksheets/Handouts Review/Study Guide (provided by instructor) Review/Study Guide (provided by instructor) Online tests/evaluations Online tests/evaluations Review questions in Textbook Review questions in Textbook Publisher’s study guide Publisher’s study guide

Materials Needed Textbook Textbook –Referencing the textbook... vs. –Rereading the textbook…

On Exam Day… Sleep Sleep Food/Drink Food/Drink Managing emotions/anxiety… Managing emotions/anxiety… –Test Anxiety

Approaching the Test Read the directions! Read the directions! Look over test and develop a strategy Look over test and develop a strategy –Which section should I do first? –How much time will I spend on each question or section of the test?  How much time am I allotted for the test? “Memory Release” “Memory Release” –Is it okay to write on the test? –List ideas, definitions, lists, etc. and then come back to them

DETER Strategy Directions Directions –Read them! Examine Examine –Look over entire test Time Time –Allot time accordingly Easiest Easiest –Do the easiest first Review Review

Multiple Choice Questions Turn ‘recognition’ questions into ‘recall’ question (cover choices) Turn ‘recognition’ questions into ‘recall’ question (cover choices) Mark the test Mark the test –Cross out incorrect choices –Write notes –Underline key words –Circle questions that you want to return to Look for questions that answer other questions Look for questions that answer other questions

Multiple Choice Questions Read the question carefully Read the question carefully –One word can make all the difference –Rephrase it in your own words Eliminate choices Eliminate choices Watch for complex choices Watch for complex choices –“A and B only”…”None of the above”…etc.

Essay Questions Read the question carefully Read the question carefully –Be sure you know what it’s asking for –Expected length…? Create a rough outline that covers all points required Create a rough outline that covers all points required –Prevents “going off on a tangent” –Keeps thoughts organized –Use the outline to compose your response…

Essay Questions Look for key words in the question/prompt Look for key words in the question/prompt –Compare/Contrast… –Cite examples… –Evaluate… Use terminology from the course Use terminology from the course ORGANIZATION ORGANIZATION –Topic & concluding sentences –Introductory & concluding paragraphs

Essay Questions Make it look polished! Make it look polished! –Neatly written –Spelling & Grammar  Proofread! Read it one last time to make sure: Read it one last time to make sure: –You’ve answered the question –Your answer makes sense Don’t make any assumptions… Don’t make any assumptions… –Say it; don’t assume the reader knows it

A few last tips Don’t be afraid to ask questions Don’t be afraid to ask questions –There might be a mistake on the test –Clarify vs. Having points deducted Don’t read into the question…answer it just as it is asked Don’t read into the question…answer it just as it is asked –If it looks easy, it probably is! Bonus Questions…TRY THEM! Bonus Questions…TRY THEM!

Before Submitting the Test Look over the test Look over the test –Did you answer all the questions?  Count responses  Don’t leave any blank…take a guess or give it your best shot! –Is your writing legible? –Did you follow directions? –Is it necessary to review each question?  Changing correct responses to incorrect ones…  “Go with your gut” vs. “Overanalyze”

Final Thoughts… Let it go… Let it go… –You can’t change it now! Ask when you will receive feedback Ask when you will receive feedback When you get it back… When you get it back… –Determine any patterns in your mistakes –LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES!!! –Remember….the first exam is a learning experience!