Improving Test Taking Strategies

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Improving Test Taking Strategies
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Test Taking Skills

• Most students have NEVER been taught test taking
  strategies.
• Studies show that as many as 20 points can be
  gained simply by using good test taking
  strategies.
• Students must have a thorough knowledge of the
  subject matter, common sense, and good test
  taking skills.

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Hint. . . . .

• Learning test taking strategies can make students
  better test takers
• AND . . . .
• Make teachers better test writers and better
  teachers!

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Test Taking Skills

• We recognize that tests do not always measure
  what you learn and that some tests are poorly
  created.
• Testwiseness knowing how to demonstrate your
  full potential and the knowledge that you have
  learned.
• Credit Learning to Learn Strengthening Study
  Skills Brain Power (Gloria Frender)

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Preparation Before the Test

• Study the teacher for clues as to what they
  consider important.
• Voice
• Gestures
• Materials, handouts,
• Time spent on concepts (repetition)
• Ask the teacher for information about the format
  of the test, types of questions, material that
  will be covered, etc.

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Preparation Before the Test

• Ask questions about the material you are unclear
  on.
• Divide the material into what you know well, what
  you need to review, and what is unfamiliar.
• Use study aides such as flash cards, mnemonics,
  outlines, etc.
• Make up your own test questions.

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Preparation Before the Test

• Form study groups.
• Quickly review the material just before going to
  sleep your subconscious will continue to
  rehearse the information.
• Get a full nights sleep before the test.
• Be organized.

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Intelligent Guessing Strategies

• Guessing strategies should be used ONLY as a last
  resort if your recall fails or if you are totally
  unfamiliar with the material.
• Dont read too much into the question.
• Dont go against your first impulse unless you
  absolutely know it is wrong.

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Intelligent Guessing Strategies

• When you dont know the right answer, start
  eliminating the wrong ones.
• All of the Above is usually right.
• Always choose an answer and then flag it so you
  can come back to it. Use extra time to recheck
  flagged questions.
• It is usually better to guess than to leave
  questions unanswered.

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Intelligent Guessing Strategies

• Most general statement is usually true.
• Absolute statements are usually false.
• Unfamiliar words and phrases are usually false.
• Humorous choices are usually false.
• The most complete statements are usually true.
• All of the Above is usually true.

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Intelligent Guessing Strategies

• If choices range in value, eliminate the two
  extremes.
• Statements that contain reasons or qualifying
  answers are usually false.
• The longest choice is usually true .
• If two choices are opposite, choose one of them
• If two choices are nearly the same, choose
  neither one.

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Intelligent Guessing Strategies

• A closer look at negatives . . . .
• Negatives are words that change the meaning to
  the opposite
• Sometimes it is helpful to circle the negative
  words and prefixes in questions and answers.
  Then re-read and answer.

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Cramming

• Use it as a last resort
• Your recall of information is limited to 1-2
  days.
• The general scope and understanding of the
  subject is limited.

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How to Cram if You Must

• Pay attention to handouts, definitions, lists,
  italicized words, dates, formulas, and names.
• Make study sheets, mind maps, or other graphic
  organizers.
• Using mnemonic devices whenever possible.
• Use intelligent guessing strategies.

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Specific Test Strategies

• Multiple Choice Tests
• True/False Tests
• Matching Tests
• Fill-in-the-Blank Tests
• Number Tests
• Essay Tests
• Open Book Tests
• Take Home Tests

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Multiple Choice Tests

• Test type most often given by teachers.
• Asked to recognize related information.
• Read all of the choices before making a decision.
• Eliminate obviously wrong answers.
• Your first response is usually correct.

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True/False Tests

• This test type is the most difficult to take.
• Asked to recognize specific facts and details.
• There are usually more true answers than false
  answers because they are easier to write.
• If you must guess, answer true odds are better.
• Do not analyze each question for deeper meaning.
• All parts of a true/false question must be true
  before the answer is true.

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Matching Tests

• Asked to recognize specific facts and details.
• Read both columns before starting (read the
  longest column first)
• Choose the longest column and work down that one
  first.
• This column has more clues and more information.
• Cross off answers as you go.
• Do the easiest matches first.
• Match tough ones last through the process of
  elimination.

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Fill-in-the-Blank Tests

• Asked to provide specific facts and details.
• Read the question carefully and look for clue
  words (especially just before the blanks)
  vowel/consonant, singular/plural words
• Sometimes the teacher uses sentences taken from
  the text.
• If you cant think of the exact word, write a
  synonym or definition for that word or phrase.
  Partial credit is better than none.

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Number Tests

• Asked to provide reasons, proof, and specific
  answers.
• Write clearly be sure each number is
  recognizable. Keep numbers in proper columns or
  spaces provided.
• Estimate the answer first
• For multiple-choice questions, work the problem
  before looking at the answers.
• Be sure to convert measurement units properly.

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Number Tests

• Check your arithmetic even the simplest
  addition and subtraction steps.
• Most wrong answers are due to simple arithmetic
  errors.
• If you get stuck, illustrate the problem by
  drawing a picture, diagram, or graph.
• Make an educated guess when all else fails.
• Eliminate unusual fractions and measurements.
  Eliminate the highest and lowest answers in
  multiple-choice questions.

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Essay Tests

• Anticipate test questions before the test.
• Construct a brief outline map out answers.
• Read all of the questions before you begin
  writing. Circle important words concerning what
  and how to write the answer.

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Essay Tests

• Three main ingredients of an essay
• Knowledge of the subject
• Organization of ideas
• Writing skills
• Always organize your essay by making an outline.
• Get involved with your answer express your
  emotion.
• Check your work content, organization,
  mechanics.

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Essay Tests

• Be concise dont ramble.
• Be certain to answer the question.
• If in doubt, let your answer be more general than
  specific.

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Open Book Tests

• Know your textbook.
• Make a study guide in advance.
• Lists of vocabulary words, graphic organizers of
  major concepts, concept index with page numbers
  from notes text.
• Anticipate test questions.
• Give yourself plenty of time.

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Take Home Tests

• Read the entire test ask any questions before
  you leave class.
• Plan and organize your answers.
• Refer to specific test strategies.
• Proofread for spelling, punctuation, content,
  grammar, organization, and clarity.
• Staple all pages together.
• Be sure your name is on every page.

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You Can Expect Success

• If you learn the subject matter, have some common
  sense, and learn test taking skills, you can
  relax and expect success when taking a test!