1. Test Taking Lecture 2 “Test Preparation”

2. The Importance of Preparing for Tests Tests in college are reality—grades are _______,Tests in college are reality—grades are _______, not given! not given! Tests are 1 method of assessing your level ofTests are 1 method of assessing your level of understanding & are ______________ of your understanding & are ______________ of your progress. progress. The key element to reducing test anxiety isThe key element to reducing test anxiety is ________________________!! ________________________!!

3. Preparing for Tests Make aMake a _________________ to prepare for _________ to prepare for major tests (see top of p. 6 major tests (see top of p. 6 of Packet). of Packet). Combats procrastination &Combats procrastination & need for last-minute ________ need for last-minute ________ Promotes distributed practice & reviewPromotes distributed practice & review of material for test of material for test Allows for specific & _______ studying.Allows for specific & _______ studying.

4. How to Set Up Your 5-Day Study Plan Set a time-line.Set a time-line. Day 1Day 5Day 4Day 3Day 2 Days 1-4 for review of the groupings ofDays 1-4 for review of the groupings of information (usually grouped by textbook chapters) information (usually grouped by textbook chapters) Day 5 for a final review of special summary notesDay 5 for a final review of special summary notes compiled on Days 1-4 compiled on Days 1-4 Work with your weekly time schedule whenWork with your weekly time schedule when setting up this 5-Day Plan—this time MUST be set setting up this 5-Day Plan—this time MUST be set aside for ____________ & should not be used for aside for ____________ & should not be used for other ongoing assignments. other ongoing assignments.

5. The Steps Involved in Doing Your 5- Day Study Plan Make __________ notes/Make __________ notes/ paragraphs or summary paragraphs or summary flashcards on Days 1-4 flashcards on Days 1-4 & then use Day 5 to & then use Day 5 to review them—Also, review review them—Also, review them _____ before the test. them _____ before the test. After such hard work…plan aAfter such hard work…plan a reward for yourself, and be sure reward for yourself, and be sure to follow through on it. to follow through on it. You’ll deserve it!! You’ll deserve it!!

6. Other Ways to Prepare Yourself for an Important Test… ____________ about the test. Some instructors will provide you with detailsSome instructors will provide you with details about types of questions & number of about types of questions & number of questions. questions. Previous students are also a source of info., but instructors have been known to ______ test formats.

7. Predict Test Questions First step is understanding ____ of test questionsFirst step is understanding ____ of test questions (see middle part of p. 6 of Packet). (see middle part of p. 6 of Packet). If you know test format in advance, you can useIf you know test format in advance, you can use ____________________ suggested at the bottom ____________________ suggested at the bottom of p. 6 to better prepare yourself. of p. 6 to better prepare yourself. Essay questions are harder to predict.Essay questions are harder to predict. Cover larger topicsCover larger topics We’ll focus exclusively on essays in Lecture 5!We’ll focus exclusively on essays in Lecture 5! Are they T/F, Multiple-Choice, Matching, Fill-in-the-Blank, Short Answer, or Essay?

8. When Should You Start Preparing for Tests? Set up a test study schedule at ____________ ________________________. Do ________ reviews of class material. Early & frequent review gives facts time to take root in your ____________. Each day you have class…do a short (10-15 minutes) pre- and post-class review of lecture notes. Do brief daily reviews when you read. Short reviews should be ______ on your daily To-Do List!!

9. Continuing with Test Reviewing: Do _________ reviews. 1 hour per subject Longer & more _________ than daily reviews Review both assigned readings & lecture notes Practice ________ possible test questions. Create and/or look over mind maps, summaries, or flashcards. Tools & Study Aids for Review: ____________—main ideas, related ideas, supporting details Mind maps, cluster diagrams, flashcards, time-lines, creating test questions, etc.