Preparing for Tests Transitions Silver TESTS QUIZZES EXAMS

Preparing for Tests Transitions Silver

TESTS! QUIZZES! EXAMS! • The most dreaded words in a student’s academic career. • “I always study the wrong things. ” • “ I stay up late studying and then I’m too tired to remember anything for the test. ” • No matter how well I know the material, I always panic during test time

Benefits of Test Prep Skills • Using the right techniques will allow you to: • Study the right things the right way and remember them better • Take less time to prepare for the test • Be more confident and be less likely to panic

Keep up with Assignments • Plan a good schedule that allows you to study each assignment • As you do your reading, summarize important points in a notebook. • Take class notes • Date the notes and keep notes for each class together • Cross-reference your class notes with reading notes • If in doubt, ask a classmate or teacher for help

Review Regularly • • • Review material right after you learn it Don’t leave reviewing until the night before the test Make reviewing part of your daily schedule Ask yourself questions and rehearse your answers Repetition leads to retention!!!

Plan Ahead • Write down the test date and material to be covered • Keep track of upcoming tests • Planner • Calendar • Phone • Review for test several days in advance • Why? • Because repetition leads to retention!

Identify What to Study • • Use clues to help you identify what material will be on the test Review study guides Look over earlier tests if possible Review any handouts or homework

Study Efficiently • • Study when you are most alert & energetic Study in blocks of 1 hour followed by 10 minute break Don’t cram everything in a marathon session Minimize distraction & interruptions Start by reviewing class & textbook notes Makeup questions you would ask if you were the teacher Have a study buddy once you know the material

Stay Calm • Do you have test anxiety? • • Sweaty palms Nervousness Irritability Sleeplessness • Panic can prevent you from remembering what you studied

Stay Calm • Prepare well for each test • Practice test-taking skills • Make up your own possible test questions • Answer your questions • Avoid last minute review it can cause you to panic! • Practice deep breathing • Sit quietly

Stay Calm • Review material in depth several days before test • Don’t upset regular routine by staying up all night or getting up too early • Keep to your regular schedule • If still anxious, talk to your counselor or teacher

Review After the Test • • • Review tests as soon as they returned to you Look for questions that gave you trouble Find out correct answers to the questions you got wrong Was it a certain type of question you got wrong? Just because the test is over, don’t assume it’s no longer important • Understand your mistakes • Get help if you don’t understand what you did wrong