Seven Steps for Test Taking Success

 

Review the tips to improve test taaking strategic. The information that you have been given over the last 10 days  wiil help your test taking skills. Please reread and apply these tips.

 

BEFORE THE TEST

1. Understand the purpose of the test and know its date, time, location, and scope

2. Determine what types of questions will be asked

3. Prepare

DURING THE TEST

1.Read the test directions and questions carefully

2. Manage anxiety

AFTER THE TEST

1.Obtain your results and follow up

2.Evaluate and revise your test-taking skills

 

Reference

Billings, D. M. (2007).  Seven steps to test-taking. American Journal of Nursing. 107 (4), 72

http://journals.lww.com/ajnonline/pages/default.aspx

Study And Test-Taking Strategies

Determining Your Learning Style Everyone learns differently. The way that one person learns is probably different from the person who is sitting next to them. There are multiple styles of learning and each of them presents its own benefits and challenges. Figuring out what type of learner you are can make learning easier because you can focus on learning in the way that is right for you Active vs. Reflective Learning Active learners are able to understand and retain information by discussing that information, applying it to real situations, or explaining it to others. These people tend to prefer group work and love to “try things out” to see if they work. Active learners have a hard time sitting still and taking notes. Reflective learners retain information when they have a chance to think about it. They prefer to work alone and they need some thinking time during lectures. Reflective learners prefer to think things through when learning about them. Sensing vs. Intuitive Learning Sense learners love to learn facts and use problem-solving methods to enhance their learning. They are patient with the details and tend to be more practical. These people can memorize facts and do very well with hands-on work like labs or projects. Intuitive learners are a bit more organic. They prefer to discover possibilities on their own, love innovation, and dislike repetition or routines. They are very good at grasping new concepts and they are comfortable with more abstract subjects like advanced mathematics or philosophy.  Visual vs. Verbal Learning The differences between visual learners and verbal learners are easy to understand. Visual learners use their eyes to learn. It means they learn best by looking at pictures, diagrams, demonstrations, or other similar activities. Verbal learners are able to retain more knowledge from words. They learn best through spoken words or even written words so lectures and books are the best way for them to learn new things. Sequential vs. Global Learning Sequential learners can understand concepts and ideas very well if they are broken down into smaller, logical steps. They tend to follow a logical thought process in problem solving, and though they may not understand something fully, they can grasp the basics. Global learners learn in large jumps and absorb material almost randomly. It’s like they suddenly “get it.” They sometimes solve problems quickly but may have difficulty explaining their knowledge. Reference http://i.allschoolguide.com/article/determining-your-learning-style

Test Taking Tips

The best way to boost your memory is using a technique that matches your learning style,” says Corinne Gediman, author of Brainfit.
We have been discussing learning styles and learning styles can impact our learning. The way we learn can affect our test taking. hearning are some tips to assist with test taking through blended learning styles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfqZWWA5Rgo

Test Taking Strategies

We have been studying learning styles, how can wec use these skills in test taking. Understanding strategies can help us to perform better. let's review the video pn these strategies.

Before the Test

1. Stay up-to-date on assignments. Learn material and review as you go along.
2. Make sure you understand the information as you are learning it. That way, you won't have to "re-learn" it OR have to "cram" a great deal of information at one time.
3. Read and study information in meaningful chunks (by chapters or units) so that you'll be able to "file" and "retrieve" information easily.
4. At the end of each chapter or unit, identify the information that was most important. Make up "flash cards"on this information that you can easily carry and use for study on a regular basis.
5. Analyze past tests to determine how you can improve test results.
6. Get the big picture. Ask the instructor about the test. Find out what information will be stressed and the kinds of questions that will be asked. Then go over your text and lecture notes to develop a study strategy. Map or outline the course contents if you haven't done so previously.
7. Before a test or exam, break study sessions into manageable time segments and meaningful units. You'll remember more if you study for short periods of time (45 minutes to 1 hour) and over a longer period of time (1-2 weeks) than if you cram all your study into a "binge" session the night before the test.
8. Practice answering essay questions BEFORE the test. Use cognitive questions at all levels to assure learning and ability to answer essay questions. For example: How would you describe, compare/contrast, predict, classify, apply, evaluate, prioritize, etc?
9. Use mnemonic techniques to memorize lists, definitions, and other specific kinds of information.
10. Form a study group with other students in your class to discuss and quiz each other on important material. This will add other perspectives and help to "complete" your study if you tend to be either a "detailed" or "big-picture" learner.
11. Maintain healthy living habits. Get a good night's sleep before the test.
    

During the Test

1. Get to the test site early so you can select a seat, organize your materials, and get relaxed. Be prepared with pencils, paper, calculator, books (if appropriate), etc.
2. Get the big picture.  Survey the entire test before you answer any questions. This will help you to get an overview of what's expected and to strategize how you will take the test.
3. Take a few deep breaths and to relax tense muscles. Repeat throughout the test. This process will help you to stay relaxed and to make more energy available for remembering, thinking, and writing.
4. Read directions carefully. Ask questions if you don't understand or need clarification.
5. Do a quick "mind dump" of information you don't want to forget. Write it down on scrap paper or in the margin.
6. Answer the easiest questions first, to help yourself calm down. Matching questions are often good to start with because they provide a reminder of important terms and definitions.
7. Use good strategies for answering multiple choice and other objective questions.
   • Look for the central idea of each question. What is the main point?
   • Statements that begin with always, never, none, except, most, or least-are probably NOT the answer . Underline these or other key words if you are allowed to write on the test paper.
   • Try to supply your own answer before choosing an alternative listed on the test.
   • Mark an answer for every question.
   • If you have to guess:
     • The length of choices can be a clue. Choose the longest.
     • If two choices are similar, choose neither.
     • If two choices are opposites, choose one of them.
     • The most general alternative is usually the right answer.
8. When answering essay questions, remember that the objective is to demonstrate how well you can explain and support an idea, not just what you know. Keep the following in mind:
   • Read over all the essay questions before you start to write. Underline key words like define, compare, explain, etc.
   • Think before you write. Remember, a good answer:
     • Starts with a direct response to the question.
     • Mentions the topics or areas described in the question.
     • Provides specific as well as general information.
     • Uses the technical vocabulary of the course.
   • Then map or outline the main points you want to make, determine the order in which you want to write your points, determine the support you want to add, then write.
   • Write legibly. Leave some space so you can add to your answer, later.
   • Proofread your essay. Check for grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. This often adds points!
9. When problem solving, ask yourself:
   • What am I being asked to find?
   • What do I need to know in order to find the answer?
   • What information has been provided that will help me to find the answer?
   • How can I break the problem down into parts? What steps should I follow to solve the problem?
   • Does the answer make sense? Does it cover the whole problem?
10. Keep an eye on the clock. Make sure you'll have time to complete the test sections with the highest value, if not the entire test.

After the Test
When you receive your test paper, go over it to determine areas of strength and weakness in your test-taking skills. If you have done poorly, learn from your mistakes! Always analyze your tests to determine how you can improve future test results.

Kelley, M. (199), Bucks County Community College



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyEgY-fbSNk

Test Taking and Learning Style

What does test taking have to do with learning style? Take a look

 

Learning styles are divided into three categories: visual (learn by seeing), auditory (learn by hearing), and kinesthetic/tactile (learn by doing/touching.) If a student is taught or assessed using a method not conducive to their learning style, the student will not do as well as they could, oftentimes doing poorly.




http://www.rrcc.edu/learningskills/pdfs/step_2_how_to_use_learning_styles_to_study_for_exams.pdf

Three Learning Styles

 

Auditory Learners - Auditory learners are those who generally learn best by listening. They typically like to learn through lectures, discussions, and reading aloud. They remember best through hearing or saying items aloud











Kinesthetic Learners- Kinesthetic, also called tactile, learners are those who learn best through touching, feeling, and experiencing that which they are trying to learn. They remember best by writing or physically manipulating the information.






Visual Learners - Visual learners are those who generally think in terms of pictures. They often prefer to see things written down in a handout, text or on the overhead. They find maps, graphs, charts, and other visual learning tools to be extremely effective. They remember things best by seeing something.

Reference

Kelly, M. (2010). Learning styles: understanding learning styles. About.Com Guide. Retrieve from:

http://712educators.about.com/od/learningstyles/a/learning_styles.htm

Learning Styles

A quiz was posted during our last session on learning style. Did you find the quiz challenging? Well here is some more information that will help you to better determine your learning style. First  what are learning styles. How do I learning best? Review the materials in the link below.

http://www.ldpride.net/learningstyles.MI.htm