TEST TAKING STRATEGIES ACCESS PROGRAM Angel Nevin Abdula Newman Nick Ritchie

GOALS OF THE SESSION  Pre-test  During the test  Post-test  What if’s  Test taking strategies  How to reduce test anxiety

GROUP ACTIVITY Please provide us with your thoughts What should one do before the exam? What should one do during the exam? What should one do after the exam?

BEFORE AN EXAM  Ask your Professor/T.A. Questions  Ex: Type of exam? How many questions? What chapters does the exam cover?  Prepare physically  Sleep  Eat  Exercise  Prepare mentally  Prepare emotionally

DURING AN EXAM  Arrive at least 10 minutes early  Write your name on all test materials  Read ALL of the directions carefully  Maximize your time  Analyze, ask, and stay calm  Ask your professor/T.A. questions for clarification when needed

AFTER AN EXAM  Review the test for grading errors  Understand your errors – ask questions!  Go to office hours to discuss further  Review your preparations – add more time if needed

My professor doesn’t/won’t tell you the type of exam to expect You miss your exam You don’t understand a question A question wording is confusing You have a time-conflict Can you think of any other ‘what if’ scenarios that we can work through together?

RESOURCES Final Exam Schedule: Testing Center: Tutoring and SI: Up OWL Night:

TYPE OF EXAMS MULTIPLE CHOICE ESSAY/SHORT ANSWER  Budget your time  Create an outline first  Identify and use the key task words in each question  Do not write overly complex responses  Elimination is the key!  Take advantage of the cues within the question:  Absolute words (e.g. always, never, only) are often incorrect (but not always).  Not, except, and but – the most inclusive answer is often correct  Read the first part of the question and predict the answer prior to reviewing choices  Avoid second guessing

TYPE OF EXAMS TRUE/FALSEOPEN BOOK/TAKE HOME  Exams are usually more difficult!  Allow yourself plenty of time for completion  Create notecards that contain relevant information  Mark your notebook/textbook for easier accessibility:  Page numbers  Colored tabs  If essay – answers need to be comprehensive  Every part of a true sentence must be true  Questions containing always, never, and only tend to be false  The terms often and frequently suggest that it might be true  Treat all questions independently – avoid second guessing

TYPE OF EXAMS ORAL MATH - BASED  Make estimates for your answers  Show all work and write legibly  Answer the easy questions first  Do not erase work, even if your answer is incorrect  If needed, make a picture  Write all formulas on margin or scrap paper for later use at start of test  Dress accordingly  Turn off your cell phone  Maintain good eye contact and posture  Seek clarification if you do not understand the question asked  Speak in complete sentences  Include visual aids if possible  Practice by talking in front of a mirror, tutor, friends and/or family – use questions that you believe will be asked

TYPES OF TEST ANXIETY  Anticipatory  Experience anxiety while preparing for the test  Situational  Experience anxiety during the test  Symptoms of both types include:  Mental distraction  Physical discomfort (e.g. Nausea, cramps, tension)  Inability to recall material  A flood of negative thoughts regarding the test material

TEST ANXIETY REDUCTION  Ask Questions!!!  Create a positive environment  Breathing – stay in the moment  Take care of your body – your mind will benefit  Visualization  Progressive Relaxation

HELPFUL VIDEOS Before, During and After: Multiple choice: Essay Exam: (Part 1) (Part 2) Math Exams: Stress Relief Info and techniques: For permission to use this presentation, please