Two Test Strategies
With the outlining issue mostly concerning that of ‘test strategies and preparing for tests,’ one of the main strategies should be pertaining to the type of test the student is preparing for. Consulting the course syllabus would be a great starting point for this, but talking with the teacher either after class or in their designated office hours would also work. Asking the professor what chapters will be covered (i.e. how many questions on the exam are pertaining to each section/chapter), what type of questions will be asked (multiple choice, short answer, matching, or essay form), and you could also ask what exact types of topics and concepts will be covered from each chapter. The answers to these questions will give the student a great start to studying and preparing for the exam!
Next, most professors handout outlines or post them on D2L for the exams. Going through the outlines and fully completing them with all the information asked is key to knowing exactly what will be covered. The next biggest strategy to test taking and preparation would be finding out what ways of reviewing in particular help the student most. Whether it be making flash cards, re-writing their notes, or simple re-reading the main points in the different chapters, make sure the student does this and begins reviewing several days ahead of time of the exam. A day or two before the actual exam, take the practice exam if one is given) to see how they do, otherwise try to fill out the exam outline/study guide to the best of their ability without the help of the class literature.
Top 10 Tips for Test
- Have a positive attitude going into the test
- When preparing for the test, create a study schedule to cover all the material
- Get enough sleep the week before, but especially the night before the test
- Eat a hearty breakfast the morning of
- Take a deep breath right before you begin
- During a multiple choice test, eliminate answers you know aren’t correct
- Always review your answers to make sure you read the questions correctly
- When writing essays, reread your work
- Arrive early for the test so you can take time to get situated.
- Be prepared for your test in terms of materials. Have a pencil, pen, eraser, and calculator on hand.
Submitted by: Aly Rudy and Josh Kozlowski