Testing: Did You Know...?

1. Good Study Habits - No one can instantly participate in a marathon, it takes months of training.  Studying, like all skills, requires practice.  

   •  Concepts before Facts - This is a 'chicken and egg' debate, but I like to know the world is round, has multiple countries with various histories and cultures before I learn particular facts about those countries. 

   • Review - Flashcards vs Quizlet - Does your learning style thrive when reading information or writing it down OR do you learn better listening to audio and interacting with digital flip cards.  

2. Don't "CRAM" - Last minute makes for a lousy meal while preparation time can create Thanksgiving.  

3. Study Space - This way each time you look for it you'll know where to find it and all your supplies.  Consider graphic organizers or sketchnoting. 

4. Get Enough Sleep - No one performs their best when they lack sleep.  I know you do it all the time, but is it your BEST?

5. Food - Our brains are organic and need water and nutrients to flourish.

1. Allow Time - Be early and you won't be stuck in traffic worried about missing it...OR arriving to the test site last minute and increasing anxiety by missing directions or supplies. 

2. Examine the Test - Glance over all the questions quickly.  This allows you to determine where to spend your time.  

3. Ask the Proctor - Proctors can clarify specific issues.  Also ask for accommodations if you are allowed.  Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. 

4. Positive Habits - We can create our own luck by setting standards and rewards for motivation.  Try setting up a TEST Kit in a pencil case.  Pack favorite pens, pencils, eraser or sharpener, mints, snack. etc.  Add an element of control to your test environment.  KNOW that each exam will provide notice of what is allowed in the testing environment.  I once walked in with a blanket for cold and then folded it and used as a cushion on the too hard bench. 

5. Taking the Test - Tackle questions you get first, then go after questions that are less obvious so that they have more time. Never leave a question unanswered.  What you believe to be a 'guess' just may be your brain coming to the rescue.

6. Finished - No one is finished until they carefully review the answer document for mistakes or mistakenly bubbled 'doubles'.  

14 Tips for Test Taking Success - Harvard Summer School: Harvard Division of Continuing Education by Mary Sharp Emerson

Contents: Seven Best Strategies for Test Prep, Seven Best Test-Taking Tips for Success, and Four Ways to Cope With Test-Taking Anxiety

Student Success: Test Taking Skills - University of Mississippi Medical Center: Rowland Medical Library by Lib Guides

Contents: How to take Multiple Choice Tests, Test Strategies, 10 Failsafe Test-Taking Tips, How to Tackle Exam Questions and more...

Test Taking Strategies - Tesoro High School by Guidance Counselors

Contents:  Multiple Choice Test Tips, Short Answer Test Tips, Oral Test Tips, True/False Test Tips, Math Test Tips and more...

Ten Tips to Ease Test Anxiety - Fairfax County Public Schools: Student Resources

Content: Take a balanced approach to test taking.  A relaxation and wellness approach to testing. 

Test Anxiety: Can it be Treated? - Mayo Clinic by Craig N Sawchuck, PhD, LP

Content:  Includes plenty of ideas for calming students before tests, such as preparation before the test to counseling. 

Test Anxiety - The Learning Center: University of North Carolina @ Chapel Hill

Content:  Symptoms of test anxiety and causes and how to reduce test anxiety

Test Anxiety - Student Counseling Center: University of Texas at Dallas

Content: What is anxiety over testing and what are some of the common components and a list of techiniques to help reduce an anxiety attacks severity. 

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