Testtaking Strategies Dealing with Test Anxiety TRENHOLM STATE

Test-taking Strategies Dealing with Test Anxiety TRENHOLM STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE Dr. Rebecca Ball-Coats rcoats@trenholmstate. edu STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER Mr. Damon K. Blythe (334) 420 -4464 dkblythe@trenholmstate. edu (334) 420 -4463

Test-taking Strategies • SURVEY AND PREPARE • READ DIRECTIONS • TYPES OF QUESTIONS • REVIEW

Survey and Prepare � Read over entire test � Read instructions CAREFULLY � Figure out how much time you need to spend on each section � Do a “mind dump” on scratch paper � Take a deep breath and keep a positive outlook

Read Directions � Be sure to read ALL the directions! � Make sure you know what you’re being asked. � Matching � Write the Response � Draw a Line � True/False � Multiple Choice � One Answer � Mark All that Apply � Fill in the Blank � Short Answer � Essay � Math

Types of Questions � Matching: This is often the easiest and best place to start. � True/False � Watch out for absolutes: all, none, etc. � The more detail, the more likely to be true � Multiple Choice: Read the ENTIRE question, paying attention to details. � Try to answer BEFORE looking at your answer options � Answer what you know � Process of Elimination � Qualifiers: always, never, none, all, except, etc. � Grammar clues: a/an, plural, etc. � Context clues http: //www. lethbridgecollege. net/elearningcafe/index. php/studyskills/vocabulary- development/context-clues-exercises

Types of Questions � Fill in the Blank: again, context clues and read carefully � If you’re not sure, but you remember something, write it down. You may get partial credit. � Consider the number of lines to be filled in, if more than one. � Be general, if you’re not sure: 2000 s instead of 2005 � Grammar clues, as with multiple choice (a/an, plurals) � Short Answer: restate the question and look back at your “mind dump” notes � Use the same strategies here as with Fill in the Blank questions � Essay Questions � Read carefully and look for key words: discuss, define, compare, etc. � Outline first and Proofread last � Restate the question and look back to your notes again � Remember, essays are not only about what you know but how well you can explain/describe it to your reader

Types of Questions � Math Questions � The same strategies apply! � Do a “mind dump” of formulas and rules � Pay attention to + and – signs � Show all of your work � Put a box around your answer so your instructor can find it easily � Don’t get bogged down—do the easy questions first, then budget your time � Review to make sure you have answered what the question is asking—especially with word problems

Review � Leave time to review your test before you turn it in/submit it � Did you answer EVERY question? � Don’t change any answers unless you are 150% sure you made a mistake, usually this only happens when: � � You realize you read the question incorrectly and gave an answer that wasn’t what was asked for � You found the correct answer somewhere later on the test Take another deep breath and SMILE—you’re done!!

Dealing with Test Anxiety • PREPARE FOR YOUR TEST EARLY • RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

Preparing For Your Test Early � Check your syllabi—know when tests are coming � Make study notes � Study with classmates and find a tutor if needed � Predict possible test questions from your notes � Ask questions about items you’re unsure of during an in class test / quiz review � Review material periodically—don’t cram, it doesn’t work � Study in a test environment—if you usually listen to music but won’t be able to during the test, study without it

Relaxation Techniques � Take deep breaths � Focus on relaxing muscle groups, clench then release from head to toe � Talk yourself through the test and visualize finishing successfully � Know that you are prepared � You have studied � You have pen/pencil/any materials needed Have confidence in yourself! You’ve got this!!!

Questions? Trenholm State Technical College Dr. Rebecca Ball-Coats rcoats@trenholmstate. edu (334) 420 -4464 Mr. Damon K. Blythe dkblythe@trenholmstate. edu (334) 420 -4463 Student Success Center