How to Develop your Test Taking Tactical Advantage

How to Develop your Test Taking Tactical Advantage “ 10 Things You Gotta Know” Keisha R. Callins, MD, MPH Albany State University September 1, 2015

“The Brave man is not the one who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. ” ~ Nelson Mandela

How do you usually feel about taking a test? A. I’m going to ace this test! B. I think I know enough to do well… C. I really wish I had taken more time to study… D. I’m going to bomb this test! E. Should I even take this test?

“I’m not telling you it is going to be easy – I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it. ” ~ Art Williams

10 Things You REALLY Need to Know… • • • Know Know Know your style the test your time your plan your priorities your partners your frustrations your prayers your health your progress

“Genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work…” ~ Albert Einstein

KNOW YOUR STYLE… • How do you learn? ? ? – Howtolearn. com – Learning-styles-online. com – www. mindtools. com • How long can you study? ? ? • When is your best time to study? ? ? • Should you study in a group? ? ? • Study Aids – Flash cards – quizlet/studyblue/flashcardmachine – Images – Mnemonics – Studygs. net

“Failure is not an option. ” ~ Gene Kranz

KNOW YOUR TEST… • • • Who will administer the test? Who can help you prepare? What you will be tested on? What is your performance goal? When will you have the test? When will you get results? Where will the test be given? Where can you get practice material? Why are you taking this test? Why is this test given? How much time will you have? How will the test be graded?

“Procrastination is the thief of time. ” ~ Edward Young

KNOW YOUR TIME… • Write out a timeline • Schedule breaks • Organize activities • Hold yourself accountable • Don’t Panic

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work learning from failure. ” ~ General Colin Powell

KNOW YOUR PLAN… • Write out an action plan • Pace yourself • Stay on task • Understand your limitations • Work smart • Practice, practice

“Recipe for success: Study while others are sleeping; work while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing. ” William A. Ward

KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES… • What are your goals? • What should you spend your time on? • What events can be bypassed this week? • What are your strengths? • What areas need improvement? • Who needs your attention?

“Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it. ” ~ Unknown

KNOW YOUR PARTNERS… • Study friends vs study enemies • Professors are good resources • Mentors can be good resources • Don’t hang out with people who will waste your time • You may need to motivate someone and learn by teaching

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. ” ~ Winston Churchill

KNOW YOUR FRUSTRATIONS… • Embrace your failure • Reflect – Ask yourself why and please be honest… • Acknowledge your fears • DABDA if you have to… • Let your frustrations be your fuel

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed” ~ Proverbs 16: 3

KNOW YOUR PRAYERS… The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalm 23

“Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live. ” Jim Robin

KNOW YOUR HEALTH… • Do not forsake your mind: – Puzzles – Luminosity. com – Easterseals. com – Read the newspaper – sleep • Do not forsake your body: – Regular exercise – Good nutrition – Avoid alcohol and tobacco – Take your vitamins

“Four steps to achievement: plan purposefully, prepare prayerfully, proceed positively, pursue persistently. ” ~ William Arthur Ward

KNOW YOUR PROGRESS… • Regular progress checks • Reassess and update your action plan as needed • Schedule treats • Allow time for review • Get feedback • Practice tests • Simulate the test

“Victory belongs to the most persevering. ” ~ Napoleon Bonaparte