The Test-Taking Strategy Overview

Pertinent Setting Demands The large majority of a student’s mainstream course grade is comprised of scores on tests.

Purpose of This Strategy  To make the student active in attacking a test and earning as many points as possible.  To enable students to talk to themselves and to promote positive attitudes while taking tests.  To promote a feeling of confidence with regard to taking tests.

Rationales Behind the Test-Taking Strategy  Students often do not have a routine to follow as they take tests. Use of this strategy provides a routine to use during a test.  Students often have negative thoughts as they take tests. This strategy requires positive self-talk during a test.

Rationales - continued  Students often do not answer several questions on a test. This strategy provides them ways to behave when they are not sure of an answer.  Students often do not know how to approach short essay questions. This strategy provides them with a set of behaviors to use when answering an essay question.

Selecting Students for the Test-Taking Strategy 1. Students who are required to take tests. 2. Students who are within ten points of the passing range (achieving scores above 50%). 3. Students who are reading at least at the 4th grade level.

Test-Taking Strategy Field Test Results Before Instruction After Instruction 65% 75% Test Scores

SUCCESS FORMULA FOR TESTS Test-Taking Strategy + Study Strategies = Good Grades

Test-Taking Manual  Introduction  Instructional Stages  Pretest and Obtain Commitment to Learn  Describe  Model  Verbal Practice  Controlled Practice and Feedback  Advanced Practice and Feedback

Test-Taking Manual - cont’d  Posttest and Obtain Commitment to Generalize  Generalization  Appendix A: Evaluation Guidelines  Appendix B: Instructional Materials  Appendix C: Tests  Appendix D: Answer Key

Test-Taking Strategy Mnemonic Devices PIRATES PASS(P step) RUN(I step) ACE(E step) If you PASS and RUN, you’ll score more points and ACE the test.

PIRATES Step 1: Prepare to succeed. Put “PIRATES” and name on the test. Allot time and order to sections. Say something positive. Start within 2 minutes.

PIRATES Step 2: Inspect the instructions. Read the instructions carefully. Underline what and where to respond. Notice special requirements.

Underline What to do and Where to Respond Circle the letter next to the most appropriate choice. Write “T” in front of statements that are true. Write “F” in front of statements that are false. Make a “+” in front of statements that are true. Make a “-” in front of statements that are false.

PIRATES Step 3: Read, remember, reduce. Read the whole question. Remember with memory strategies. Reduce choices.

PIRATES Step 4: Answer or abandon. Answer the question. Abandon the question if you’re not sure.

PIRATES Step 5: Turn back. Turn back to abandoned questions when you get to the end of the test. Tell yourself to earn more points.

PIRATES Step 6: Estimate Estimate unknown answers using the “ACE” guessing technique. Avoid absolutes. Choose the longest or most detailed choice. Eliminate identical choices.

Absolute Words AllNo AlwaysNone EveryNever Only Non-Absolute Words FewMost SomeMany SeldomOften SometimesUsually

PIRATES Step 7: Survey Survey to insure all questions are answered. Switch an answer only if you’re sure.

The Steps of the Test-Taking Strategy Step 1: Prepare to succeed Step 2: Inspect the instructions Step 3: Read, remember, reduce Step 4: Answer or abandon Step 5: Turn back Step 6: Estimate Step 7: Survey

Student Notebooks  Contract or Student Goal Statement  Progress Chart  Assignment Sheet(s)  Test Section (pretest, verbal practice checklist, posttest)  Controlled Practice Section (practice tests and score sheets)

Student Notebook - continued  Advanced Practice Section (tests and score sheets)  Generalization Section (Report of Strategy Use forms)  Cue Cards