1. Test Taking Skills Follow these 5 simple tips and your grades will improve

2. Tip #1 “Index Cards” You need a pack of 5”x 7” index cardsYou need a pack of 5”x 7” index cards You also need a pack of 3”x 5” cardsYou also need a pack of 3”x 5” cards Find the material that will be on the test, for example, Chapter 6 and class notes.Find the material that will be on the test, for example, Chapter 6 and class notes. While reading the Chapter, take notes onto the 5x7 card.While reading the Chapter, take notes onto the 5x7 card. Consolidate or “copy” the notes onto the 3x5 card.Consolidate or “copy” the notes onto the 3x5 card.

3. Index Cards (cont.) For class notes, use the same process.For class notes, use the same process. Notes > 5x7 card > 3x5 card.Notes > 5x7 card > 3x5 card. This process will help you remember the concepts and reinforce information.This process will help you remember the concepts and reinforce information. The Index Card technique should start 1 week prior to a major testThe Index Card technique should start 1 week prior to a major test

4. Tip #2 “Environment” Studying has to be done independently.Studying has to be done independently. For knowledge to “sink in”, the student has to be “one on one” with the material.For knowledge to “sink in”, the student has to be “one on one” with the material. Study Groups are generally ineffective and quickly become social and off-task.Study Groups are generally ineffective and quickly become social and off-task. No Cell Phones, I Pods, TV, Radio etc. during Studying.No Cell Phones, I Pods, TV, Radio etc. during Studying. Find a quiet area that works for you.Find a quiet area that works for you.

5. Tip #3 “Cramming” “Cramming” generally does not work and creates Test Anxiety.“Cramming” generally does not work and creates Test Anxiety. Studying must be “spread out” over at least 3 -4 nights to be effective.Studying must be “spread out” over at least 3 -4 nights to be effective. If you “Cram”, you will likely enter the test feeling tired and actually do worse.If you “Cram”, you will likely enter the test feeling tired and actually do worse.

6. Tip #4 “Concentration Blocks” Divide a hour of studying into 3 separate 15-20 minute “concentration blocks”Divide a hour of studying into 3 separate 15-20 minute “concentration blocks” For example, 15” studying  5” breakFor example, 15” studying  5” break This technique allows for our brain to get refreshed and not become fatigued.This technique allows for our brain to get refreshed and not become fatigued.

7. Tip #5 “Test Anxiety” Tests and Exams are a part of life, you will take hundreds, if not thousands of these in your life.Tests and Exams are a part of life, you will take hundreds, if not thousands of these in your life. Knowing this fact allows you to put each test in perspective.Knowing this fact allows you to put each test in perspective. “Test Anxiety” is really a lack of preparation.“Test Anxiety” is really a lack of preparation. If you are prepared, then you are confident. Confidence = Minimal AnxietyIf you are prepared, then you are confident. Confidence = Minimal Anxiety