1. Study Skills Test-taking Study habits

2. Brainstorm  What are some good study habits?  What are some bad study habits?  Analyzing study habits : Take out a sheet of paper and number 1-12  Answer yes, sometimes or no

3. Analyzing Study Habits  1. Do I understand assignments clearly  2. Do I keep an assignment notebook  3. Do I have a definite time for studying  4. Do I have trouble getting started  5. Do I make notes as I study  6. Do I review my lesson before class  7. Do I complete assignments on time  8. Do I gather all the things I need before I begin to study  9. Do I waste time  10. Do I find myself daydreaming instead of studying  11. Do I read through headings before I begin to read the whole assignment.  12. Do I try to remember main points as I read

4. Test-taking strategies  Get off to a good start!  a. make sure you have notes if you need them.  b. Make sure you have other materials: i.e. pencil, scratch paper, rulers etc.  c. PUT YOUR NAME ON YOUR PAPER!!!  d. Read the directions carefully!

5. Develop a plan  A. look over the entire test first and develop a plan  Schedule your time wisely.  Do the easiest questions first.  Mark questions you want to return to later. Don’t’ spend too much time on difficult questions.  “If you are not sure of an answer, go with your first instinct.”  Recheck your answers if you have time…you may have made an error. USE ALL THE TIME YOU ARE GIVEN!

6. Improve your MATH test scores  1. Before you start to solve a problem, try to estimate what the answer will be.  2. If you are having difficulty with a problem, try drawing a picture or diagram.  3. Don’t spend too much time on one problem.  4. SHOW ALL YOUR WORK!  Go over returned tests and write down the correct answer on questions you missed.  Keep returned tests so that you can review the concepts.

7. Increase your odds on multiple-choice questions  Try to come up with the answer before you look at the answer choices.  Eliminate incorrect choices. Then make an EDUCATED guess.  If two of the choices are similar or opposite, one of them is probably the correct answer.  READ ALL YOUR ANSWER CHOICES! Don’t be tempted to mark the first answer that sounds good.  “ use the test to help you take the test, you might find information that can help you answer other questions.”

8. Essay/written response questions  Read each question and start with the easiest first.  Write down or highlight key words and terms.  Be sure to use complete sentences, restate the question and write neatly!  If you are not sure of an answer, write down what you know about the subject, look back over other questions if you have time because they may provide clues.

9. Don’t be anxious!  Start studying early, cramming makes you more anxious!  Ask questions if you don’t understand something. Always follow directions as they are given.  Practice doing well on the test.  Review the material the night before, then get a good night’s sleep.  Spend your time wisely.

10. A final thought…..  Jackie Robinson was a star on the field and off. He worked hard and wasn’t afraid to TRY, even if the results were not what he expected.  His daughter Sharon wrote: “Excellence is the culmination of putting your best effort into whatever you’re trying to doe. It is believing in yourself, staying focused and expecting the best.”  DO YOUR BEST ON THE TEST!!!!

11. REFERENCES  How to Get Good Grades in Ten Easy Steps, by Linda O’Brien, 2008 Woodbridge Press  Let’s Learn About STUDY SKILLS, an information and activities book, 1995 L. Bete Co. Inc.  Jackie’s Nine Jackie Robinson’s Values to Live By, Sharon Robinson, 2001, Scholastic Inc.