Preparing for Tests From 가 to 하 (From A to Z) success

Today’s Topics Look at different types of reviews Develop a test-taking routine Look at different test-taking strategies Reflect on your test performance

Grades are something many people worry about. Tests often contribute significantly to your grades. Appropriately dealing with tests increases your success overall. A test’s impact doesn’t end when you submit the test paper. Tests fit into previous SKAC topics: PACE, Note taking, Active Reading, Synthesis, to name a few.

Awareness Check How well do you prepare for tests? Significance of your score: You have developed some strategies that help you prepare for tests. You may be prepared most of the time, but you could do better. You probably are not satisfied with your grades, and would benefit by being better prepared for tests.

In summary Tests are not merely a test of your knowledge; they are also a test of your planning and management skills Preparing for a test is not something you should save until immediately before the test date. We’re here to help!

When to study Daily - in just 5-10 minutes a day, review each course looking at notes and assignments Weekly - as time allows, spend ~1 hour each weekend to review each subject you’re studying Pre-exam - about 1 week before a test, do a major review; you’re covering several weeks’ worth of material!

What to study Although it may seem obvious, knowing what to study - and having those resources available - can greatly impact the quality of your test answers. It goes without saying that you should have taken notes in class, as they form one part of the puzzle of what you need to study.

Textbook chapters Graded tests, papers, homework, etc. what to study

How to study One week before your test, set aside some study time. Don’t attempt to do it all in without any breaks! Organize your materials. Make flashcards if you have a lot of facts, dates, terms, etc. to review. Make graphic organizers or other study guides. Review these materials once a day until D-Day!

Develop a Test-Taking Routine Arrive on Time Jot down memory cues Survey the test Plan and use all of your time Read directions Before the test

Develop a Test-Taking Routine Do easy questions first Skip and return to difficult questions Guess if there is no penalty Control your feelings & attention Maintain a positive attitude During the test

Develop a Test-Taking Routine Check your work Learn from your mistakes After the test

Turn to your handout and answer the questions under the heading “Discover your own best way to prepare.” After you finish, make a few notes of what you think you should do, based on your answers. Photo credit: Swamibu (Flickr)

Your own best way May change over time Probably depends on a number of things: familiarity with different study methods & knowledge of your own preferences, among others Is something you should think about from time to time “Am I studying in the most effective way for me?”

Master Objective Tests a few strategies to keep on hand

Master Objective Tests Assume a statement is false if it contains absolute words. Assume a statement is false if any part of it is false.

True-False Quiz! Use those strategies!

Master Objective Tests If you’re sure, answer mentally, and check each option to find the right one If unsure, eliminate all the bad options If you don’t know, guess

Master Objective Tests Decide what kind of answer is needed Look at the way the statement is written to find clues to the answer Scan the statement for keywords

Using guessing strategies Get ready, get set...

Master Objective Tests Know how many sections there are, and whether you have to write essays Find out whether it is timed, and how long If there’s an essay, practice writing in a timed situation Standardized Tests

Master Objective Tests Get a good night’s sleep, eat a nourishing breakfast, arrive with a positive frame of mind During breaks between sections, stand up or stretch - makes you alert Plan your time, use extra time to proofread Standardized Tests

Master Open- Ended Tests Strategies for tackling them

Open-Ended / Essay Tests What type of test is it? Short answer? Essay? Paragraph response? Recall Bloom’s Taxonomy of Thinking What kind of thinking does this test/question require? Look for clues in the question Jot notes on the back, or another paper, to generate key points, & an outline

Bloom’s Taxonomy of Cognition 1. Knowledge. What are the health benefits of eating apples? 2. Comprehension. Compare the benefits of eating apples to eating oranges. 3. Application. What kinds of apples are best for baking a pie? 4. Analysis. Describe four ways of baking pies. 5. Synthesis. Convert an unhealthy apple pie recipe to a healthy one. 6. Evaluation. Do you feel that serving apple pie as a snack is healthy for children?

Answer Essay Questions with Confidence Read & be sure you understand the question Look for instruction words Concentrate on being brief & precise Stay on topic; avoid opinions unless asked Restate the question in your answer

Sample Essay Question with answer!

Define memory and illustrate your definition with examples. Memory is a mental process that occurs in three stages: record, retain, and recall. Information comes in through your fives senses. Most of this information you will forget unless you record it in your short-term memory through selective attention. Short-term memory is fleeting. It enables you to remember a phone number you have looked up long enough to call it or the name of someone you met at a party long enough to introduce them to someone else. To retain information longer, you must transfer it from short-term memory to long-term memory. You can do this by using or reviewing the information. Long-term memory can be permanent. For example, you never forget your birthday. In the recall stage you retrieve information you have stored, much as you would retrieve a file from your hard drive.

Instruction Words Have a look

Finally, reflect After your test, reflect: Mentally review your answers & confidence level Write down areas you were worried about; review them After you receive your results: Look for patterns in any questions you got wrong Make a study plan for future tests Note any suggestions the marker gave you