Test Taking How to Run the Race & Win the Prize

Test = Race Why? Measures ability at any given moment. Requires training. Tests and races can produce anxiety. What tests and races do not do: Demonstrate your real ability. Demonstrate your worth as a human being.

How Can I Improve My Test Performance? Study Study Smart Study Smarter Study Smartest Remember, you train for a test as you train for a race.

PPS Preparation – study smart Persistence – conquer fears, study morning, noon and night ( even if it’s 15 mins) Strategy – have a plan and work your plan

KISS Keep it Simple (& Smart) Go to Class Study 15/30 minutes before class Review 15/30 minutes after class Know what you don’t know and study it REMEMBER YOUR LEARNING STYLE but know you must be adept at visual performing

Ask the Professor These Questions What Topics will the test cover? What Types of questions will be on the test? What Material will the test cover? –will the test cover only what was talked about in class, in the text, or will it cover other material? –will it cover material from earlier tests?

Make a Plan Gather all your study sources well ahead of time, not the last minute! –Notes, texts, handouts, guidelines –Make note cards if helpful Figure out –how many hours needed to study. Multiply X 2 –how many days til test and do the math –how much time can devote to a subject Write this stuff down and follow!

Take a Pre-test Make questions from your text- book topics and create your own test. Use end of chapter questions. Read notes and figure out what questions professor thinks will be important. Take the time to take the pre-test. This will save you time on the test itself.

Last Minute Studying Go through flash cards Focus on critical concepts – resist reviewing page by page Create a last minute study sheet – key facts, definitions, formulas, etc. Prepare physically, remember this is like a race. Get sleep, don’t eat lots of sugar right before, eat lightly, and keep thoughts positive!

The Time Has Come Keep Schedule Clear Before Test Before you leave for the test, take time to think of all supplies you’ll need Get to classroom early, get comfortable Remember to breath Keep those thoughts positive!

The Race/The Test Breath Collect Yourself Ignore Others Breath Look the test over from start to finish Breath Do what you know first You know more than you think you know Keep those thoughts positive!

Types of Test Questions* True – False Multiple Choice Matching Sentence Completion Short Answer Essay *Handout of “Helpful Hints for Various Types of Tests”

Need More Help? Go See or Your Professor Test Anxiety? –Call Student 678/ Study Skills? Tutoring? –Call EXCEL 678/ or Student 678/

Reward Yourself IN THIS GAME YOU DO NOT HAVE TO COME IN FIRST, YOU WIN IF YOU FINISH!