Test-Readiness
Identify the best daily strategy for absorbing information from each class period for future tests.
Reviewing notes after each class and using them to create study guides
How does not getting enough sleep impact your test-taking?
It restricts the oxygen flow to your brain, impacting your ability to retrieve information
What is the first thing you should do when you get your test (after writing your name)?
Jot down any information that has been consuming your mind.
Then look over the whole test.
If a true/false question contains “sometimes, usually, or generally” would it be more likely to be true or false?
True!
Which questions should you answer first?
Start with the easiest questions.
Build your confidence by working your way up to the hard ones (Just be sure to budget enough time for them!)
How can you get a sense of what’s going to be on the test?
•Ask your teacher what the test is going to specifically cover and what types of questions you’ll be asked.
•Go back over notes to look for what was emphasized in class
How does test-taking when you’re hungry impact your brain?
It will negatively impact your cognitive functioning.
Your brain thinks “I need to conserve brain energy, since I only have reserve fuel” and will limit what information you can access and generate
What’s the better strategy: delving right in to answer questions or looking at the whole test first?
Skim the whole test, do some quick time budgeting, and develop a plan of where to start
What are two reasons why it’s a good idea to go over past tests?
1.You can see where the teacher tends to pull questions from.
2.You can see the types of mistakes you made and focus on how to correct them.
Before you even go to take the test, what can you do with all the worries in your mind to keep them from clouding your focus?
Write them down.
What’s the best way to prepare for a vocabulary test?
•Write out definitions
•Use Flashcards
•Mnemonic memory-triggers
How does test-taking when you’re incredibly stressed impact your brain?
It tightens your blood vessels, thereby restricting the flow of oxygen to your brain (impacting your ability to retrieve information)
List several ways to improve your odds at getting the right multiple choice answer?
Cover the answers and read the question. Think of the correct answer before looking for it.
Cross out any obviously wrong answers
Eliminate answers with extremes (like all, every, always, never, etc.)
What could go wrong if you don’t read test directions carefully?
(And how can you ensure that you follow all the steps?)
You could misinterpret what the professor is looking for (like “circle all the answers that…” or “choose 1 of the 3 topics…”).
Underline the critical steps in the test directions, and if there are several, number them.
What should you do if you don’t understand the directions to a question?
Ask your teacher!
He or she is there to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification of what is being asked.
What’s the best way to prepare for essay tests?
Synthesize information (using graphic organizers like Venn diagrams)
Come up with examples of concepts
Practice writing out answers
Sometimes the array of options on multiple choice tests impedes you from clearly recalling the correct answer. How can you prevent this?
Cover up the options so that you only see the question. Think of the answer first, then reveal the options to see which one best matches it.
If you are having difficulties with a question, what should you do?
Skip it!
But be sure to circle it so you’ll come back to it. (And ALWAYS guess if you won’t be penalized for it.)
Sometimes students start writing the answer to an essay question and then realize they should have included something sooner. What can you do to address this?
Make an outline or mind-map before you start writing.
How can you use past tests to reduce your anxiety about future tests?
•See where the professor pulled information from to extrapolate his/her test-making tendencies.
•Analyze the types of mistakes you made to reduce the likelihood of repeating them.
What should you do the morning of the test?
-Eat Breakfast! You think better on a full stomach.
-Get to the test early to eliminate any stress of arriving late
-If it works for you, do a ten-minute power study
to “warm up” your brain.
What type of food is the worst “brain food” (and what is the best?)
The worst: Sugar and High Fat (especially fried foods).
The Best: Proteins (Dairy, Meat, Nuts)
What should you do when you’ve finished your test?
(And what should you NOT do?)
Go back and review everything: the instructions, the questions and your answers—especially for Essay Questions. For Multiple Choice—Check that you read the question correctly and all possible answers.
Unless you see new information you didn’t have when you made your first choice, DON’T CHANGE YOUR ANSWERS.z
What should I do if I freeze?
Consciously relax.
Start writing what you CAN think of…your brain will
begin to make associations.
What should you do if you feel your stress level increasing?
•Take a minute to consciously relax.
•Use stress reduction techniques like deep breathing, muscle relaxation, stretching, or visualizing yourself smiling as you remember all you’ve studied.
•Use positive affirmations like “I’m smart, I’ve studied, and I can do this.”