Test Taking Chapter 6

Disarm Tests Tests scores are often given too much power Grades are: Used to give power to tests A measure of how well you do on tests Grades are not: Measures of intelligence Measures of creativity Measures of what a student has accomplished

Before the Test Review Study Groups Daily Weekly Major Checklists Flash cards Practice tests Study Groups Pros and Cons?? Form and conduct study groups effectively

During the Test Prepare yourself Arrive early Make quick notes Pay attention to verbal directions Scan the entire test immediately Estimate your time Read directions carefully Allow “panic” time Answer easiest, shortest questions first Look for context clues Review answers

Test Questions Multiple Choice True/False Answer questions in your head Read all possible answers Test possible answers Eliminate incorrect answers True/False Read entire question Look for qualifiers Find the devil in the details Watch for negatives

Test Questions Open-Book Computer-graded Organize materials Make sure answers match question Check test booklet against answer sheet Watch for stray marks Review answers Short-answer Concentrate on key words and facts Be brief Overlearn Open-Book Organize materials Write formulas on a separate sheet Bookmark table of contents and index Predict what will be covered Highlight relevant sections

Test Questions Matching Essay Check content in columns Check for similar wording Match grammatically similar words Match words that logically completes phrases Cross out items in columns when you are done with them Essay What is the question asking you to do? Make an outline Get to the point Avoid “filler” sentences Write legibly Write on one side of the paper

After the Test Reward yourself appropriately Be honest with yourself about how you performed Analyze the exam Develop a plan to improve Ask instructor for input

Cheating What is cheating?? Consequences Learn less Lose time and money Stress Violate integrity Lowers self-concept University of Memphis Office of Student Conduct http://www.memphis.edu/studentconduct/misconduct.htm

Test Anxiety The feeling of nervousness and distress experienced before or during an exam.

Test Anxiety Reactions Increased heartbeat Tense muscles Perspiration Dry mouth Inability to make decisions or act Feeling upset Having self-doubt or negative self-talk Difficulty reading and understanding questions on an exam Difficulty organizing thoughts Difficulty recalling or retrieving terms and concepts Feeling apprehensive or upset

Causes of Text Anxiety Lack of preparation Past experiences of performing badly on exams Focusing too much on the outcome of the exam Focusing too much on how other classmates are doing Outside distractions

Text Anxiety Solutions Yell “Stop!” Dispute your thoughts Praise yourself Consider the worst Breathe Describe sensations Exercise aerobically Get help University of Memphis – CCLT http://www.memphis.edu/cpcc/outreach.php