1. Bell Ringer
Learning Target – I can describe how to effectively prepare for tests.
Bell Ringer:

2. Reading and Studying for Tests
Lessons

3. Two Basic Tools of Test Preparation
Reading – used to understand information
Studying – used to store information

4. Goals Good grades Understanding over memorization I Corinthians 10:31
Understanding – can you explain the information to someone else?

5. Use the study methods that work for you.
Know the various methods.
Practice the various methods.
Determine what works for you.
This may change over time.

6. Six Steps for Reading and Studying for Tests
Determine what to study
Preview information
Scan and Skim
Mark the text
Construct study notes
Review and Recite information

7. 1. Determine What to Study
Study information presented in class.
Study information in textbooks.
Terms, lists, formulas, rules, theories, processes, sequential events and ideas
Bold or italic type
Repeated information
Topic sentences
SRQ’s and CRQ’s
Study information on the white board or screen.
You cannot memorize and remember everything.
If the information is not in the textbook, use teacher cues to determine if it will be on test

8. Determine What to Study
Listen for teacher’s cues.
Study any handouts.
Record teacher-review comments.
Star or highlight notes.
Record information that is missing from notes.
Review old tests and quizzes.
Determine unimportant information.
Study with a friend.
Choose wisely!
You and your study buddy should have studied separately before you study together!

9. 2. Preview Information
Getting an overall understanding of topic and its presentation.
What to preview
Major features
Headings and subheadings, lists, graphs, pictures, SRQ’s and CRQ’s, summaries
Emphasized words
When to preview
At the beginning of the course, unit, and chapter
Major features of the book, chapter, article
preview major features of the book at the beginning of the course
Previewing should take 5-10 minutes

10. 3. Scan and Skim Reading quickly Not word for word
Two to three times your normal rate
This takes practice
Not word for word

11. Skimming Reading quickly to gain a general understanding
Similar to previewing
Watch for cue words.
First, second, in conclusion, next, finally, furthermore

12. Scanning Reading quickly to locate specific information
Read phrases or short sentences, not every word of the selection.

13. Scanning Identify how the information is organized.
Prose or poetry
Alphabetical, outline, or list
Locate the information you need.
Focus on key words.
Read quickly and accurately.
Focus on key words - Identify key words before you begin
Avoid irrelevant information
Slow down when you find the information you think you want.

14. 4. Mark the Text Underlining or Highlighting
Permanently locates important information

15. Mark the Text Read a section before you mark.
Determine the most important information.
Select key words and phrases
Analyze and evaluate
Review
Use a writing utensil that stands out when you mark.
Too much marking is as ineffective as to little marking.
Terms, definitions, sequences, causes, structures and functions
? Indicates disagreement or need for further explanation
Important information
Personal comment in margin

16. 5. Construct Study Notes
Writing the notes in your own words helps you learn and remember the information.
Study notes reduce the amount of information you need to learn.

17. Types of Study Notes Carefully marked class notes
Specially created personal notes
3 x 5 cards
Easy to carry
Easy to organize
Convenient for short study periods
Allow for easy assessment

18. Constructing Note Cards
Write legibly.
Number the cards.
Write a question on the blank side.
Write the answer or information to be learned on the lined side.
The question may be a descriptive heading such as “Types of Mountains”

19. 6. Reviewing and Reciting
Review – to reexamine information with the intention of remembering it long term
Selective Review

20. Review Strategies Remember the goal! Keep an organized notebook.
Schedule multiple study times.
Focus on important information.
Determine how the major ideas relate to each other.
Review from multiple sources.
Focus on your weak areas.
Use a variety of methods.

21. 6. Reviewing and Reciting
Reciting – repeating information silently or aloud for the purpose of recalling it later.

22. Improving Your Memory
Short-term memory – holds information from a few seconds to about two days
Long-term memory – permanently stores information
Goals
Store information in long-term memory.
Be able to retrieve the information whenever you need it.
Takes periodic review

23. Improving Your Memory
1. Pay close attention to what you read and hear.
2. Focus on comprehension.
Be able to explain it in your own words.
3. Connect new information to “old” information.
Association
4. Regularly review the information until you have instant recall.

24. Improving Your Memory
Recall – the ability to instantly remember information
Spelling words, fill-in-the-blank questions, essay questions
Recognition – the ability to associate known information to unknown information
Multiple choice and matching questions
Relearning – information that was forgotten because it wasn’t used or reviewed
Books of the Bible

25. Improving Your Memory: Mnemonic Devices
Coincidental Association
Acronyms – a word made from the first letters of other words
Acrostic –
Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
King Phillip Came Over For Good Stuff
Mnemonic devices – clues that aid in memory; act like a hook to hang the information on
Coincidental Association – see p 25 for ideas

26. Improving Your Memory: Mnemonic Devices
Rhymes
Thirty days hath September…
Rhythm
Mississippi
Grouping
Phone numbers
Visualization