Study and Test Taking Strategies RidgeReady2012

Study Strategies Part 1

Study Strategies 1.Fill in study guide 2.Create flash cards 3.Create mnemonics and/or pictures 4.Read, recite & review

Study Guide Useful tool to helping you prepare for tests Physical act of completing a study guide helps you organize & remember important details for the test Provides you with a template for making your own study guides

Study Guide: Steps 1). Fill in guide by reviewing: Notes from lectures Teacher PowerPoints Teacher PowerPointsTextbooksClassworkEtc. 2). Meet with your teacher(s) & other students

Flash Cards Useful tool for help you memorize important concepts & topics Cards must be reviewed aloud multiple times to be an effective tool

Flash Cards: Steps 1). On the Front you will write Key idea or concept from study guide 2). On the Back you will write What is moist important to know about the concepts in your own words Include examples, mnemonics, & visuals (this can also go on the front)

Mnemonics & Pictures Mnemonics: are helpful memory phrases Roy G. Biv (Colors of the rainbow) Pictures Creating diagrams, timelines, & pictures helps you make meaningful connections & store knowledge in your long term memory

Read, Recite, & Review Once you have completed your study guide, created flash cards, & mnemonics/pictures it’s time to read, recite & review Tips: Review in short increments Time (20 to 30 minutes) Material Review aloud Re-write Have a family member or friend test you

Time to practice! Activity: wait for directions

Test Taking Strategies Part 2

General Test Taking Strategies Think positive thoughts (I can do this…) Relax Write down key words & phrases in margins Don’t start immediately listen to the teacher’s directions listen to the teacher’s directions Skim the test Skim the test

General Test Taking Strategies Continued Read all directions twice & circle key words Go with your first impression Ignore the pace of your classmates Answer all questions Start with the easy & move to the more difficult questions

If You Are Stuck…. Reread the question & break it down into small units Try to recall particular phrases the teacher might have repeated Visualize the event, time line, section of the book, etc. Put the question into your own words Eliminate obviously wrong answers Skip/flag & come back to the question later

Specific Strategies for Multiple Choice Questions 50/50 Approach Think in Groups Context Clues

50/50 Approach Use the 50/50 Approach when presented with plausible answer questions Which one is the best example.. Which example would most often.. Narrow the answers to two that both sound right then concentrate your attention on the criteria you need

Example George Washington is best known as: A. a military officer B. the father of our country C. the 16 th president D. a scientist

Example In English class, Sarah has been asked to write a description of someone special to her. Sarah wants to write about her older brother. Which of these would BEST help Sarah write her description of her older brother? A. calling his friends and asking them about him B. thinking about all the things she likes about him _ C. making a list of things she wants him to do for her D. asking him to take her to the library

Think in Groups Think in Groups when presented with negative questions Negative questions ask for you to show your knowledge by excluding an answer Find three answers that have something in common and group those answers. Does the answer left fit the question?

Example Which of the following is NOT a land form? Which of the following is NOT a land form? A. mountain B. river C. plain D. valley

Example All of the following are living in the sea except________? All of the following are living in the sea except________? A. fish B. sand C. crab D. seahorse

Context Clues Use Context Clues when you don’t have a clue Look for key words in questions to find answers

Example What was the hungry coyote in Tippecanoe County observed doing? A. Sleeping in a ditch B. Stalking prey C. Looking for a shelter D. Playing in the park

Example Which of these is a mixture ? A. salt B. water C. Lemonade D. sugar