1. 7
Tests

2. Use this Master Student Map to ask yourself,
WHY?
To change how you feel about and perform on tests
WHAT?
Power Process: Detach
Disarm Tests
Before the Test
Predicting Test Questions
During the Test
Words to watch for in essay questions
The Test isn’t Over Until...
Let Go of Test Anxiety
Getting ready for math tests
Master Student Profile: Al Gore
HOW?
to predict test questions and use study time more effectively
to harness the power of studying with other people
to gain strategies for raising scores on tests
to separate your self-image from your test scores
WHAT IF?
...you could let go of anxiety about tests -- or anything else?
Master Student Maps that introduce each chapter guide students through the chapter with an overview while reinforcing the four key questions of the Kolb Learning Style Inventory – Why? What? How? and What If? You may wish to highlight key articles as you walk students through this slide, or ask if there are any questions about any of the articles.

3. Detach Release the powerful, natural learner inside you
Attachments are addictions.
When you notice strong motions ...it may be time to detach.
How?
1. Notice your thoughts and physical sensations.
2. Practice relaxation.
3. Practice seeing events in a broader perspective.
CAUTION: Giving up an attachment doesn’t mean giving up on the goal.
The Power Process Detach must be used judiciously. It’s not the same as giving up. When we have the need to Detach, we release a powerful natural learner inside. As with many of the power processes, the power is in the application. The process itself is easy to explain and remember.
The first step is to be aware of attachments that have gotten out of control. When you notice strong emotions in yourself associated with an attachment, it may be time to use Detach. (ask your students:) How might an obsession with getting all A’s on every assignment and on every test in every class be an attachment worth considering detaching from?
Now, talk about three strategies for detaching. Some will work better in some situations. Challenge students to self-reflect. Should they consider using some of these tools to help them detach from some of their attachments?

4. Disarm Tests Keep test grades in perspective.
Grades are not a measure of intelligence or creativity.
Grades do not measure our ability to contribute to society.
Grades do not measure self worth.
Grades are simply a measure of how well we do on tests.
Carrying around misconceptions about tests and grades can put pressure on your performance. Don’t give the test some magical power over you own worth. Academic tests are not a matter of life and death. Ask students to consider what can be done to change the outcome on the next test.

5. Before the test WHAT TO DO
In this movie clip, students talk about how they feel and what they do before a test. What do your students do, and how to they feel before a test?
Video: In Show Mode click image above

6. Ways to Predict Test Questions
Ask about the test
Put yourself in instructor’s shoes
Look for clues in notes and readings
Look for clues in class
Save all class materials
Apply your predictions
Watch for “This will be on the test.”
Predicting test questions is a powerful activity. After reviewing the seven predicting strategies, put students in groups and have them predict the questions for a mock quiz you will give them in a few minutes on a recent chapter or reading assignment. Each group should get inside your head and create three times the number of questions you’ll be asking. For example, if you will give a 5 question test on the material, they should create 15 questions. Once each group creates and studies those 15 questions, give the quiz. See which group successfully predicted the most questions that you asked. Like most tools, this one requires practice. As students practice getting into their instructor’s shoes, they can improve their skill at predicting test questions.

7. What to do during the test
This movie clip provides guidance to students about how to actually take tests. What strategies have your students used in the past? What strategies to they intend to practice on upcoming tests?
Video: In Show Mode click image above

8. Words to watch for in essay questions
Describe is not the same as list
Compare is not the same as contrast
Criticize is not the same as explain
Analyze, compare, contrast, criticize, define, describe, diagram, discuss, enumerate, evaluate, explain, illustrate, interpret, list, outline, prove, relate, state, summarize, trace are key words that call for specific responses!!
Students should underline keywords when taking tests or doing assignments to be sure they are addressing what is being asked. Hand out 3x5 cards with a term written on it. Ask students to define in their own words what the term is asking for. Have them share with class and fill in with the explanations from the list in the book if further clarification is needed. Relate some of these words to terms found in quiz questions in the textbook. Often students only provide a list of answers when the question asks for descriptions!!

9. The test isn’t over UNTIL…
You’re not done yet!!!
Look at items you missed:
Where did the teacher get the question(s)?
What types of questions were asked?
What types of questions did I miss?
Did you really study or are you faking it (daily/weekly/major review time)?
How can you better prepare for the next test (more study time, use study tools, etc.)?
Immediately after taking a test, students should analyze their preparation strategies (including confidence, effectiveness of study strategies, and if questions were accurately predicted).
When the test is returned, use it as a learning tool. The text gives a chart as an example to help analyze the source of errors; students are surprised to learn that there is usually a pattern to their errors that a simple change in study or test taking habits will fix. Help students zero in on a really specific change they can address to improve performance on the next test.

10. Let go of test anxiety Yell “Stop!” Describe thoughts in writing
Dispute your thoughts
Praise yourself
Consider the worst
Breathe
Scan your body
Use guided imagery
Exercise aerobically
Practice defusing
There probably aren’t many students who have never experienced test anxiety at some point in their education. These strategies can help. Discuss them. Consider inviting a counselor who specializes in working with students with test anxiety to be a guest speaker.

11. Getting ready for math tests
Overcome Anxiety
Connect math to life
Take a first step
Notice your pictures
Change your conversation
Choose your response to stress
Anxiety when learning mathematics is almost universal. These five strategies can help students overcome math anxiety. 11

12. Getting ready for math tests
Boost Study Skills
Choose teachers with care
Take math back to back
Avoid short courses
Form a study group
Make your text top priority
Do homework consistently
Take notes that promote success
Participate in class
Ask questions fearlessly
Read actively
Here are ten strategies to boost your math study skills. Put students in groups and ask them to talk about their math anxiety level and which of these tools each student intends to practice. 12

13. Getting ready for math tests
Use Tests to Show What You Know
Practice problem solving
Practice test taking
Ask appropriate questions
Write legibly
Do your best
When anxiety is reduced, you can do your best work. Here are some ways to demonstrate that good work in math classes. 13