Overview
Effective study, and test taking strategies contribute to greater productivity, higher grades and less stress.
This seminar presents a systematic, research-based approach for test preparation and test taking.
Practical strategies and checklists are provided to improve learning, retention, and application of complex and detailed information.
Goals
- Gain a command of the content.
- Achieve a peak performance.
- Accumulate points toward a grade that reflects your potential.
- Avoid excessive test stress.
- Enjoy a sense of accomplishment.
Self-Check
___ I forget what I studied when taking a test.
___ I wait until the last minute to study.
___ I blank out or freeze during tests.
___ I feel rushed when taking tests.
___ I don’t score well on multiple-choice tests.
___ I don’t do my best on essay tests.
___ I don’t do well on problem-solving items.
___ I rarely take practice tests.
Staying on Track
(Table: Months, weeks presented horizontally and course assignments (tests, projects, papers, etc.) listed vertically)
Learning Objectives (Bloom, 1984)
- Evaluation
- Synthesis
- Analysis
- Application
- Comprehension
- Knowledge
To Improve Test Scores
Review the results of a test:
- Check that the test was accurately scored.
- Identify your pattern of correct responses.
- List strengths.
- Identify problem areas (e.g., content, types of questions, time, memory, problem-solving.)
- Discuss results with the instructor.
- List any barriers to learning or performing.
- Find where information from the test is located in text or notes.
- Plan a strategy to do better the next time.
- Set realistic goals for the next test.
- Project a study schedule.
- Consider a tutor or study group.
- Identify ways to improve difficulties (e.g., time management, reading, memory.)
- Pace memorization and study.
- Take practice tests.
- Ensure positive study conditions.
Effective Study Settings
- Soft, non glare lighting
- Non distracting sights/sounds
- Electronic Lockdown
- Clear working space
- Accessible materials/resources
- Study divided into smaller “chunks”
- Checklist for staying on track
- Frequent, short breaks
- Available resources if “stuck”
Electronic Lockdown
- Lock down the digital devices for 15- to 20- minute periods.
- Unleash your psychic energy.
- Complete a tremendous amount of work in a brief time when you have time to think and work in a non-distracting setting.
- Enjoy a greater sense of peace and satisfaction as you complete tasks
Study Settings: Quiet, Comfortable, Functional
(photos of café, coffee shop, desk, classroom, library, bed, in park under a tree, etc.)
SQ4R: Preparing for Tests
Survey
- The test assignment, previous homework. assignments, lecture notes, old tests.
- Chapters, study aids, vocabulary.
Question
- Locate sample questions or old tests.
- Create possible test questions using lecture notes.
- Ask the instructor for sample questions.
Read and Reflect
- Use your questions to guide your reading/thinking.
- Reread portions of the text/note and circle key words.
- Visualize the answers to questions.
Recite
- Restate the answers to questions in your own words. Lists steps to solve problems.
- Elaborate by adding facts and examples.
Write
- Write the answers to questions in your own words.
- Organize the information by designing charts, diagrams, or pictures.
- Combine information from different sources
- Create a “mini quiz.”
- Review and Edit
- Review your questions and answers.
- Check the accuracy and completeness of answers.
- Recreate the charts or diagrams.
- Identify topics that need further review.
The Blank Page Exercise
- Classify and categorize
- Conceptualize
- Summarize
- Organize visually in charts or diagrams
Taking Objective Tests
Before Beginning:
- Use self-encouragement and coping statements.
- Circle key words in the test directions.
- Preview the entire test (e.g., topics, difficulty, question types, points.)
- Decide the time to allot to each item.
- Decide which questions to answer first.
During the test:
- Ask for clarification if you don’t understand the directions.
- Answer all the easy questions first.
- Skip those you don’t know.
- Look for concepts embedded in the question.
- Pace yourself. Keep track of the time.
- Keep yourself balanced by “psyching up and cooling down” during the test.
- Take brief rest periods. Put a “break” mark on page.
- Check your work.
- Don’t change answers unless you can prove it.
Using Charts
(another chart next to it with headings of “Similarities” and “Differences”)
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Freud |
Skinner |
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Main Ideas |
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Facts |
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Examples |
To Increase Organization
Sequence, Tree, Organization, Process
Taking Essay Tests
Before answering questions:
- Read each question aloud
- Circle key words (e.g., list, compare, trace)
- Note the points allotted to each questions
- Organize your key words on a chart, timeline or diagram
- Develop an outline or use PERSIA as a guide
While answering:
- Estimate the time to complete each section
- Leave space to write an introduction
- Provide answers to main idea questions
- Add supporting statements, examples, facts
- Insert headings and subheadings if possible
- Write or print legibly
- Check off items as you follow your outline
After answering:
- Leave 2-5 minutes to review the test
- Review what you have written for accuracy and completeness
- Include addition information if possible
- Rewrite any words that are illegible
- Take a deep breathe
- Pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
Format for Essay Questions
Introduction – Answer to Question #1
Answer to Question #2 – Answer to Question #3
Additional Examples or Facts – Conclusion
Managing Test-Related Stress
Causes of Test Stress
- “Normal” apprehension
- Unfamiliarity with certain types of tests
- Poor preparation
- Poor reading, writing, or note taking skills
- Poor test taking skills
- Negative experiences with tests
- Negative associations with content
- Low self-confidence
Before Entering the Room:
- Check that you have necessary materials
- Arrive early to avoid feeling rushed
- Avoid unnecessary anxiety-related pre-exam talking
- Think positive thoughts
- Establish a warm-up routine
- Read directions out loud
- Write helpful hints to yourself (e.g., take your time)
- Rehearse visually (I can see myself performing well)
- Breathe deeply
- Relax muscles
During the Test:
- Think positive thoughts
- Be prepared to confront problems
- Create positive images
- Rehearse visually
- Relax muscles
- Take a brief rest
- Eat a snack
Test Taking Dos and Don’ts
- Do buy blue books and supplies early in the semester.
- Do join a study group.
- Do go to office hours, talk to the instructor.
- Do take practice tests.
- Don’t set unrealistic goals.
- Don’t forget to get enough sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
- Don’t forget to review tests and find out how to improve. Ask for advice from the instructor.
Targets for Change
Course:
Goals:
Strategies:
Study Conditions: