A Note from Dr. Johnson . . .

Good teachers are always trying to make connections between what goes on in the classroom and what takes place in the real world. A colleague of mine would tell her students that taking standardized tests was like playing a video game, a metaphor her students could always connect with:

• Both have a clear mission: beat the boss/finish the race/answer questions accurately under pressure.

• Nobody beats a game the first time. The more you study the format and question types, the better you get at testing.

• You have to manage your resources. On a test, your resources are time, focus, and stamina.

• Video games and tests both have easy and boss-level challenges (questions). While the easy questions will build your confidence, don’t let the difficult ones throw your game off.

• When playing a video game, frustration kills progress. It’s the same with testing. Test-takers who stay calm, adjust their mindset, and keep going have the best chance at winning.

• There are cheat codes in video games and smart strategies in test-taking. Players find shortcuts to boost their games. On tests, you can do the same things like skipping and returning to tough questions, and pacing yourself

• Gamers don’t just learn what the game is about, but also how to play the game. Success on a standardized test isn’t just about remembering all the information - it’s how you take the test that also counts.

• Preparation is your armor... your strategy guide. While it doesn’t guarantee you’ll win, it guarantees you have a fighting chance!

Parents ... these are a few test-taking strategies you can review with your children.

1. Read Instructions Carefully: Always read the directions slowly and make sure you understand before you start.

2. Preview the Test: Look over the entire test to see what kinds of questions are asked and plan your time.

3. Manage Your Time: Divide your time so you can answer all questions. Don’t spend too long on any one question.

4. Answer Easy Questions First: Answer the questions you know well first to build confidence and earn points quickly.

5. Use Process of Elimination: Cross out answers you know are wrong to help you choose the best answer.

6. Stay Calm and Breathe: If you feel nervous, take a deep breath to help you focus.

7. Review Your Answers: If you finish early, check your answers carefully to catch any mistakes.

Learning test-taking strategies can be difficult for several reasons:

1. Anxiety and Stress: Tests often create pressure and anxiety, which can make it hard for students to think clearly and apply strategies effectively.

2. Lack of Practice: Without regular practice using these strategies, students may forget or feel unsure how to use them during an actual test.

3. Complexities of Some Strategies: Some test-taking strategies involve multiple steps (like time management, reading instructions carefully, or eliminating wrong answers), which can be overwhelming for students to remember and execute all at once.

4. Fixed Mindset: Students who believe their abilities are fixed may resist trying new approaches or strategies, thinking they won't help.

5. Varied Formats: Different tests require different approaches, so students might struggle to adapt their strategies to each format (multiple-choice, essays, open-book, etc.).