TEST TAKING

Midterms/Exams can be either Objective - true/false, multiple choice or fill in the blanks. They are made up of items which provide a selection of alternative answers from which the learner has to choose rather than requiring the answer to be supplied by the learner. Subjective - Essay, short answer, oral. Answering them is much like writing short papers on assigned topics.

Multiple Choice Tests Most commonly used test format in college. Requires very careful reading and analysis of responses. Most common problem with Multiple Choice tests is not being prepared ---- so rehearse. Use sample questions from old textbooks old exams online quizzes

Types of Multiple Choice Questions Factual – question based on facts acquired through lectures and tests Example: In what Canadian province would you find the country’s capital city? Conceptual – a question that requires you to think about and reflect on what you have learned. Example: Psychologist deal with variables which are …… Applied – a question that uses unfamiliar context to test your knowledge of familiar concepts Example: You lie awake all night trying to make sense of your schedule for the following day, planning things carefully and methodically. Your behaviour is an example of a(n)

Multiple Choice Exams – Tips Predict an answer before looking at the alternatives (By predicting the answer before you look at the alternatives you're less likely to be swayed by an alternative that is incorrect). Reveal the answers one by one Eliminate options you know to be incorrect. Question answers that don’t fit with the stem.

Longest or the most specific option will most often be the correct option. Qualifying modifiers (sometimes, generally, often) are used more often in the correct option than absolute modifiers (never, always, only). When the options are all numbers, the correct option is less likely to be an extreme number. The correct option may be one of two similar options, with the most specific option usually correct.

If you don’t know an answer, move on If you don’t know an answer, move on. You may find your answer or a hint in another question. If you have two synonymous (having the same meaning) options, neither will be correct . The best option should be a grammatically correct extension of the question (subjects & verbs agreement). Be alert to give-aways in grammatical construction. The correct answer to an item stem which ends in “an” would obviously be an option starting with a vowel

The Essay Exam Set up a time schedule (how much time to spend on each question. If questions are weighted, take that into account. When the time is up for that question, stop writing (always leave some space). Pay attention to how the question is phrased or to the directives “compare”, “contrast”, criticize”. If the question is asking for facts, don’t give your personal opinion on the topic. Before answering a question, put it into your own words and compare with the original (if they don’t match, you have misread the question).

Essay Questions - Tips Make a brief outline. Begin with a strong first sentence. Develop your argument. Don’t write long introductions and conclusions (bulk of your time should be spent on answering the question (s) asked. Focus on one main idea per paragraph. When writing keep a blank sheet. Be prepared to jot down notes.

Short Answer Tests Follow the typical essay format: introduction, body, and conclusion. Make sure that you clearly state the idea or thesis of your answer Get right to the point. Don't rewrite the question! Answer in specific terms, not in general. Use examples: from the readings, the class, or the real world. When using examples, make sure that it is clear why you are using that particular example to answer the question. When making general statements, be sure to follow them up with answers to questions such as who, what, why and how. Avoid making all encompassing statements, such as using the words "all," "every," "no one," etc. unless they are true. Be prepared to defend every statement you make with recognized facts.

Exam Preparation Approach the exam with confidence: Use whatever strategies you can to personalize success: visualization, logic, talking to your self, practice, team work, journaling, etc. Be prepared! Learn your material thoroughly and organize what materials you will need for the test. Use a checklist･ Allow yourself plenty of time, especially to do things you need to do before the test and still get there a little early Avoid thinking you need to cram just before. Avoid speaking with any fellow students who have not prepared, who express negativity, who will distract your preparation Avoid negative self-talk

Practice positive self-talk Avoid the ‘doom mongers’ Use visualization Overcoming Test Anxiety - Tips Be Prepared Practice positive self-talk Avoid the ‘doom mongers’ Use visualization Practice relaxation Get enough sleep before the exam ( fatigue intensifies anxiety Skim through the test Write down important formulas, facts, definitions or keywords in the margin

During the test Read the directions carefully. Budget your test taking time. Change positions to help you relax. If you go blank, skip the question and go on. If you're taking an essay test and you go blank on the whole test, pick a question and start writing. It may trigger the answer in your mind. Don't panic when students start handing in their papers. There's no reward for being the first done.

Getting Anxious During the Test Relax; you are in control. Take slow, deep breaths. Pause: think about the next step and keep on task, step by step Use positive reinforcement for yourself: Acknowledge that you have done, and are doing, your best･ Expect some anxiety. It's a reminder that you want to do your best. Just keep it manageable Realize that anxiety can be a "habit" and that it takes practice to use it as a tool to succeed

After the Exam List what worked. List what did not work for improvement. Celebrate that you are on the road to overcoming this obstacle