Test Taking Preparation Strategies Tammy Pratt Director Assessment

Test Taking: Preparation & Strategies Tammy Pratt, Director Assessment and Learning Center University College University of Oklahoma

Why are we tested? • Grades • What are Grades a symbol of? Ø Knowledge Ø Understanding Ø If you are a ‘good student’ or not Ø Extent of mastery • Other reasons we are tested? Ø Build character…what does that mean?

WIIFM? • Rewards Ø Grade Ø Admitted to the college of YOUR choice! Ø Look good Ø Know the content (subject) Ø Build on your knowledge Ø Recognition Ø Family influences Ø Life goals & dreams

Test Taking & Preparation K Le now ve led l S ge tep 1 Continuou s Spiral of Learnin g Memorizing is NOT learning all the way l e Lev sis aly ep 4 St An hy rc Hiera ing n r a e of L el ev on L i t a lu Eva Step 6 Sy nth e St sis L ep e 5 vel • Preparation or ‘learning’ is the fundamental element of success Ap Lev plica el S tion tep 3 n io s en p 2 h e te pr el S m v Co Le

Test Taking & Preparation • Learning is a PROCESS Review Gather Practice Study • Preparation is a PROCESS • Example learning to play an instrument = learning to prepare for a test Ø Practice – playing……. reviewing

Test Preparation Strategies http: //www. studygs. net/tstprp 1. htm • Organize material • Read, preview chapters, make a chapter map/outline (before class) • Listen actively, take notes, participate in class • Review and process notes as soon as possible after class. (50% higher likelihood of remembering material fully) • Study sessions – in phases (3 reviews of new material)

Test Taking Strategies • BRAIN DUMP Ø Use a quick outline Ø Pictures Ø Key words • PREVIEW QUESTIONS Ø Budget your time based on points Ø Decide strategy • Easy points/less time/do first • Higher points/more time/do first Ø Skip or move on with tough questions

Types of questions & strategies http: //www. studygs. net/tsttak 1. htm • Multiple choice • True/False • Fill in the blank • Show your work • Reading • Essay • Open book

Slam That Exam 1) Try not to talk about the exam with overly-cocky or overly-anxious peers 2) Arrive early, and sit where you feel comfortable 3) Bring bottled water (if allowed) 4) Practice breathing and exercises (deep breath; flex legs/feet; stretch hands/neck) 5) Read questions and directions carefully 6) Preview exam - divide & conquer 7) Allow a few minutes to review your answers (but don’t change any multiple choice unless you find a glaring mistake) Finish and turn it in!

After the Test • If you don’t get it back Ø Self-exam whether you prepared well and what you could do differently to improve • If you do get it back Ø Review all questions and answers Ø Determine what concepts you need to practice to master the material Ø Remember: Tests offer feedback on what you demonstrated you know and have mastered

Thank you Tammy Pratt, Director Assessment and Learning Center 270 Wagner Hall, 1005 Asp Ave. Norman, OK 73019 tpratt@ou. edu 405 -325 -4336 http: //uc. ou. edu/alc