Study Skills Workshop 2 Test Preparation and Test

Study Skills Workshop #2 Test Preparation and Test Taking

Test Preparation n. Manage Review Time n. Create review tools n. Plan a strategy n. As you begin

Test Preparation n Manage Review Time – A key to successful test preparation is managing review time. – Use short daily review sessions to prepare the way for major review sessions

Manage Review Times Daily Reviews ØShort pre- and post-class reviews of lecture notes. ØScan your notes and the sections you underlined in the previous assignment ØTwo kinds of material to concentrate on § What you have just learned § Material that involves simple memorization ØConduct short reviews through out the day ØBegin to review on the first day of class

Manage Review Times Weekly reviews – Are longer – about an hour per subject – They are more structured than short daily reviews – Avoid skipping from subject too quickly – Review each subject at least once a week – Review assigned reading and lecture notes

Manage Review Times Major reviews – They are usually conducted the week before finals or other major exams – Longer review periods –two to five hours at a stretch, punctuated by sufficient breaks – For the review to be effective give yourself a short test – Study the most difficult subjects when you are the most alert: at the beginning of the session

Create review tools n Study checklists – Make a list for each subject (lecture dates, chapters, definitions, theories, formulas) – It is not a review sheet – Contain the briefest possible description of each item to study Mind map summary sheets n Flash cards n

Plan a strategy Do a dry run – Practice the task you will actually do on the exam – Write up your own questions and take this “test” before the exam n Ask the instructor what to expect n Get copies of old exams n

As you begin n Arrive early n Pay attention to verbal directions given as the test is distributed n Evaluate the importance of each section n Read the directions slowly n Jot down on the margin memory aids, formulas, equation, facts, or other material that you know you’ll need and might forget

Taking the Test n n n Quickly look over the whole test Skim the questions and essays – some may help you answer others Budget your time Read all directions slowly and carefully Answer the easiest, shortest questions first

Taking the Test Next answer multiple choice, true/false, and fill-in the blank n Leave plenty of space in between answers to essay questions n In quick answer questions (multiple choice) your first instinct is usually best as long as you have read the question correctly n

Objective Tests Multiple Choice n n Answer each question in your head before you look at the possible answer Eliminate incorrect choices Beware of absolute qualifying words Guess unless you are penalized for it – If similar except for one or two words choose one – If they have sounding or looking alike words choose one – If the answer calls for a sentence completion, eliminate the one that would not form grammatically correct sentences – If two quantities are almost the same, choose one – If answers cover a wide range, choose one in the middle

Objective Tests n True-False n Matching – If any part of a statement is false, the entire statement will be false – Statements that use “all” or “never” values are frequently false – Statements with words like “seldom” or “general” are more likely to be true – Read both columns completely before answering

Objective Tests n Fill-In – Test the question by reading it with your possible answer n Open-book tests – Write down any formulas you need on a separate sheet – Place post-it notes on important pages – Prepare thoroughly. They are usually the most difficult tests

Essay Tests They test your ability to express yourself, interpret, and organize your material n Read each question to make sure you understand precisely what is being asked n Know definitions of direction words (contrast, compare, describe) n Writing shorter answers and completing all of the questions will almost always yield a better score n

Essay Tests Brainstorm, make notes, and briefly outline before writing n Introduce your topic. n – Make major points clearly; then provide supporting facts, examples and summary statements. If you run out of time, at least make an outline of major points n Get to the point – include part of the question in your answer n

Essay tests n n n n Write legibly Be brief Use a pen Write on one side of the page only Seek clues to the answer from the question Use technical language of the subject Proofread

Ways to predict Questions Get organized. Have a separate section in your notebook labeled “test questions” 2. The format of a test can help you predict questions 3. Observe what an instructor says and how he says it 4. Pay attention to questions the instructor poses to students and questions that other students ask 1.

Ways to predict Questions 5. Put yourself in your instructor’s shoes 6. Brainstorm questions with other students 7. Lookout for these words “this material will be on the test”

Math & Science Exams 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Perform opposite operations Use time drills Analyze before you compute Make a picture Check your work systematically Review formulas Leave enough time to review your answers at the end of the exam If you become frustrated, come back to the problem later

Integrity : Don’t Cheat! n n n We learn less We lose money Fear of getting caught promotes stress Violating our values promotes stress Cheating on tests can make it easier to violate our integrity again Cheating lowers our self-concept

Reducing test anxiety Reasons for test anxiety • • Poor preparation or poor test taking skills Negative test taking experience Negative attitude about school Low self-confidence

Reducing test anxiety • • • Remember to take care of yourself Take practice exams Come prepared Make an effort to relax periodically during the test Engage in positive self-talk

One final thought… The most important thing to remember when preparing for a test is: n “I Can Do This!” n Confidence in your skills and abilities is the surest way toward academic success beyond learning the material and familiarizing yourself with as many resources as possible within the college community. n

Reducing test anxiety 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Visualize success Consider the worst Breathe Tense and relax Exercise aerobically Get help