Test Taking Skills I

Academic StrategiesSt. Pius X High School

Charlis E. Powell, Ph.D.Learning Center Director

Test Taking Skills

• Objectives– Improve test grades by

becoming “test wise”– Turn test anxiety into

positive energy– Make appropriate study

time for tests– Form a study group– Ask the teacher about the

test format– Edit class/text notes

Test Taking Skills

– Utilize intelligent guessing strategies

– Review specifics on how to take each type of test

– Know how to use your time wisely during the test

– Know essay direction words and how to interpret them

Test Taking Skills

– Remember and review the results of your learning styles assessment.

– Choose test taking tools that focus on your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.

Becoming Test Wise

• In order to do well on a test, you must know the subject matter as well as how to take the test.

• Test Wise means knowing how to demonstrate your full potential and the knowledge that you have learned.

• Your intelligence and previous knowledge combined with new information that you learn in preparation for tests should result in your ability to perform well and succeed.

Use your Study Time Effectively

• The approach to studying will be determined by the type of test you are about to take.

• Using your study time effectively to prepare for a test is a key factor in taking tests.

Types of Tests

• Basically there are two types of tests, quizzes, or exams– Objective

• Multiple choice• True/false• Matching• Fill in the blank

– Subjective• essay

Standardized Tests

• Achievement Tests– Cover many subjects– Measure your knowledge level in the specific area

• Aptitude Tests– Predict your success in a course or program– Often determine entrance and placement by colleges,

SAT tests• Diagnostic Tests

– Show strengths and weaknesses in a specific subject area

– Often determine placement of level in a particular subject

Non-Standardized Tests

• Do not have norms. • Usually are the tests most teachers give to

“gauge” a student’s knowledge.• Such tests are usually constructed by the

teacher.• These tests are usually based on material

presented in class over a certain period of time.

Critical Aspects of Test Taking

• An intention to do well

• Positive mental attitude

• Believing that you are capable of achieving the score you want

Testing is a Part of Learning so Relax and be Kinder to Yourself

• You can learn from tests• Remember

– Tests do not always measure what you learn– Sometimes teachers construct poor tests

• Expect Success– Rely on your

• thorough knowledge of the subject• Common sense• Learned test taking skills

Study – Understand – Apply• Visual

– Use “cue” words– Use graphic organizers– Form pictures in your mind

• Auditory– Talk to yourself to reduce stress– Repeat mnemonics to yourself– Read all directions twice to yourself

• Kinesthetic– Relax muscles in body– Stretch in your chair– Breathe slowly

Reasons for Poor Performance on Tests

• Absent from school and didn’t make up the work

• Didn’t listen in class• Didn’t do homework• Didn’t care• Didn’t read text• Waited too long to study

Reasons for Poor Performance on Tests, continued…

• Wasn’t organized• Didn’t get enough sleep• Studied wrong material• Changed too many answers• Poor attitude about subject• Didn’t review from day to day• Cramming was ineffective

Reasons for Poor Performance on Tests

• Didn’t budget time to study• Overconfident• Test anxiety• Memory block during testing• Think the teacher is unfair• Don’t like the teacher• Ran out of time• Didn’t check answers• Left too many answers blank

Ways to Avoid Poor Performance

• Keep up with your studies

• Learn good study habits and apply them

• Train your memory• Become test wise• Be positive• Be organized

The Next Lesson will Cover…

• Test Anxiety –Free Yourself