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TEST SMARTS

Taking a test can be an anxiety producing experience. Often a child seems to know the information the night before the test, only to experienced that "blank" feeling the next day during the test. Documented testing modifications such as allowing extra time, having the test read, or having the test given orally can all be helpful in testing what the student knows. However, there are some general test-taking strategies that will help every student. Many seem to pick up these tips by osmosis, while others need to have them directly taught. Please help your student to become as independent as possible by reviewing these strategies.

BEFORE THE TEST

1. LISTEN to the teacher's description of the test, and be a SELF-ADVOCATE, asking questions to determine what will really be tested. Don't waste your time studying the wrong information! Don't leave the room until you are sure you know what will be on the test!

2. Make and use a STUDY GUIDE for yourself if one is not provided. The study guide can bring together all the key main concepts and words, people to know, formulas, etc. and the act of pulling this information together from your notes and writing or perhaps typing it all in one place will be a form of studying. A really helpful way to study is to make yourself CHARTS, and WEBS of how the information is connected or fits together in categories.

3. FLASHCARDS are a terrific way to take small "chunks" of information to learn a bit at a time. They are especially good for vocabulary, or memorizing in any subject. Graduate students in college make themselves flashcards ... this is not a baby technique! Stock up on 3" by 5" index cards!

4. MNEMONICS is a great way to put things into your memory. Take the first letter of a list of things you need to learn or the correct order of a sequence of steps or events and make up a crazy sentence, even something you can act out or really picture vividly in your mind. The wilder and funnier, the better it will get into your long-term memory! (Ex. for recall of the five Great Lakes, use the mnemonic HOMES: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Eric, Superior)

5. Get a good nights sleep ... (research shows that is really worth 10 or more points right there!) as well as eat a healthy breakfast (save the Krispie Kremes for the weekend).

DURING THE TEST

1. LISTEN carefully to the teacher's directions. Don't be so anxious to begin, that you miss out on important information!

2. LOOK OVER the entire test so that you can see how to spend your time best (on the highest point questions). This will also help you feel less anxious to see what is ahead.

3. FOCUS on the directions for each section and on the KEY WORDS you see in the questions such as "except", "not", "never", "always", "before", "after", "following", etc. Underline direction words or tricky words to help yourself see them.

4. Your "gut feeling" and first response are usually correct, so don't over agonize any one question. Narrow down the choices if you can to see what's left.

5. SKIP a question that you don't know for now, but put a star or dot by it so you'll remember to come back to It. Often, you will get a CLUE to the answer somewhere else in the test. Don't get stuck, just keep moving carefully along.

6. Don't be concerned with how fast someone else is completing the test. They may be rushing and not really doing a good job. Keep your focus on your own good memory.

7. GO OVER your answers if there is time, and be sure to check for any blanks you may have left. Be sure you really followed the directions!