Focusing on Student Attitude and Motivation to Improve Assessment Results Nancy E. Brito, NBCT Division of Performance Accountability Department of Educational Data Warehouse, Accountability, and School Improvement Nancy , PX47521

What can we do to improve student attitude towards testing and increase their motivation for doing well on assessments?

The purpose of this presentation is to provide participants research-based strategies to help students improve their attitude towards testing and increase their motivation for doing well on tests.

have positive self-esteem have greater self-confidence in their abilities do not feel intimidated by tests and feel well prepared are persistent with regard to their school work and doing well on tests Confidence Continued… What does research suggest? High achieving students

more likely to use appropriate strategies when taking tests more “test-wise” than their peers able to follow instructions and directions familiar with item formats Knowledgeable about how to avoid common mistakes What does research suggest? High achieving students are Continued…

know how to use their time effectively and efficiently can maximize their scores by informed and educated guessing have been exposed to a variety of testing situations can apply test-taking strategies to solve different kinds of problems What does research suggest? High achieving students Continued…

comprehend the purpose for testing realize how the results will be used understand the importance of the test What does research indicate about students who are successful in testing situations? Students Continued…

recognize the relevance of the test to instruction expect to do well on standardized tests are confident in their abilities to do well on tests What does research indicate about students who are successful in testing situations? Students

improve student attitudes about testing increase student motivation for doing well on the tests provide students with more comfortable testing situations assist students in feeling more confident in their ability to do well Considering what research indicates there is a need to:

1. Expect good results and model a positive attitudes. Aim High! Students will rise to your level of expectation. Promote positive attitudes by: - being prepared for testing - becoming familiar with test administration instruction Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help? Communicate why testing is important.

2. Use activities and incentives which foster intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic Motivation: Provide activities that increase competence, realistic success Create connections to students’ personal interests Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help? Continued… Engaged students in outcomes that are related to their own actions, effort and hard work, not outside forces.

2. Use activities and incentives which foster intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic Motivation: Create connections to real world issues Create links between content areas organize instruction to include problem-based learning Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help? Continued…

2. Use activities and incentives which foster intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Extrinsic Motivation: Raise student awareness and enthusiasm via pre-test activities Create banners, posters, and other visuals to place around school Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help? Continued…

Extrinsic Motivation: Provide incentives for good attendance and promptness on testing days Conduct contests between classrooms for the best test-day attendance (coupon for food or merchandise from local stores, special breakfast, pizza parties, movies, etc. ) Provide a lottery for gift certificates, bicycles, etc. 2. Use activities and incentives which foster intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help?

3. Involve parents. Promote motivational activities within the home by enlisting parent Assist parent by providing needed information Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help?

4. Discuss purpose and relevance of testing. a normal school activity and part of the educational planning process an objective way of seeing student strengths and weaknesses essential for promotion decisions and summer school attendance Parents and students must understand that standardized testing is Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help? Continued…

4. Discuss purpose and relevance of testing. schools know whether or not the instructional program is working compare their school to other schools in the district, state, and nation Foster parent and student understanding that standardized testing helps Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help? Continued…

4. Discuss purpose and relevance of testing. Utilize tests results to develop better instructional activities Be certain students know the purpose of the FCAT, SRI, Diagnostic, and District assessments Aid students in understanding and interpreting their scores from the FCAT/FCAT 2.0, EOC Assessment, SRI, NGSSS Diagnostic Tests and District assessments Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help? EOC = End-of-Course

5. Discuss test formats. the content skills that will be covered the testing dates and subjects how much time they will have to complete the items Students should know Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help? Continued…

the approximate length of the reading passages the type of answer sheet or test booklet in which they will mark their answers some items will be challenging even for the best students 5. Discuss test formats. Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help? Students should know

6. Correlate classroom activities with tests. Provide students with opportunities to learn what they will be tested on create test questions that are aligned to the SSS and the content being presented Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help? Continued…

Assure students that they have received instruction in skills being measured Familiarize the students with reading selections and questions that are similar to the actual test Make timely connections so that they understand what they have been learning and doing in class is related to what is on the test 6. Correlate classroom activities with tests. Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help?

7. Anticipate and deal with test anxiety. Provide students with ample time for preparation Reiterate frequently the dates, places, and times testing will take place NOTE: Knowing what to expect increases student confidence. Teach students to learn how to recognize when they are under stress and how to deal with that stress. Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help? Continued…

7. Anticipate and deal with test anxiety. Familiarize students with the types of questions they will encounter when teaching a concept or skill that will be measured on the test Make a special effort to prepare students with low expectations because of previous academic problems NOTE: Entering the testing with a sense of success promotes good test performance. Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help? Continued…

7. Anticipate and deal with test anxiety. Offer positive statements to students about their capabilities and work Talk to students about stress pointing out that nearly everyone experiences some anxiety concerning test taking Know the signs of stress: headaches, upset stomach, muscle cramps, cold hands, sweating. Behavioral signs of stress include acting out and avoidance Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help? Continued…

7. Anticipate and deal with test anxiety. Use stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises Give students time to relax between tests Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help?

8. Know and use correct test administration procedures. Practice testing instructions Make available all required materials (pencils, erasers, calculators, rulers, etc.) Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help?

9. Provide a quiet, orderly testing environment. the hallways are noise free other distracting activities don’t take place students continue checking their work during the allotted testing time period Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help? Assure that Continued…

9. Provide a quiet, orderly testing environment. Discuss the importance of respecting each other’s testing needs Explain testing procedures prior to testing, including when and where the test will take place, how long it will take, and the kind of supplies needed Make sure students know the rules governing the testing setting Every testing room should have a “Testing – Do Not Disturb” sign Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help?

10. Provide feedback on results. Engage students in discussion about their testing experience Explain the scores when they receive the results Provide FEEDBACK in a positive and constructive way to help improve self-esteem and provide motivation for students to continue to strive for success Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help? Continued… Note: Specific statewide assessment items must NOT be discussed.

10. Provide feedback on results. Respect the confidentiality of the students Discuss with students whether or not the results are consistent with their day-to-day performance F E E D B A C K Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help?

11. Reward and CELEBRATE success. It is great for the spirit, self-esteem, and for a student’s willingness to keep trying. ALWAYS reward and celebrate accomplishments! Student Motivation and Attitude Checklist What can teachers do to help?

1.EXPECT GOOD RESULTS AND MODEL POSITIVE ATTITUDE 2.USE ACTIVITIES AND INCENTIVES WHICH FOSTER INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION 3.INVOLVE PARENTS 4.DISCUSS PURPOSE AND RELEVANCE OF TESTING 5.DISCUSS TEST FORMATS 6.CORRELATE CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES WITH TESTS 7.ANTICIPATE AND DEAL WITH TEST ANXIETY 8.KNOW AND USE CORRECT TEST ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES 9.PROVIDE A QUIET, ORDERLY TESTING ENVIRONMENT 10.PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON RESULTS 11.REWARD AND CELEBRATE SUCCESS STUDENT ATTITUDES AND MOTIVATION CHECKLIST