Test TakingTest Taking

Lecture 2Lecture 2

““Test Preparation”Test Preparation”

The Importance of Preparing for TestsThe Importance of Preparing for Tests

•Tests in college are reality—grades are _______,Tests in college are reality—grades are _______, not given!not given!

•Tests are 1 method of assessing your level ofTests are 1 method of assessing your level of understanding & are ______________ of yourunderstanding & are ______________ of your progress.progress.•The key element to reducing test anxiety isThe key element to reducing test anxiety is ________________________!!________________________!!

Preparing for TestsPreparing for Tests

•Make a Make a _________________ _________ to prepare for to prepare for major tests (see top of p. 6major tests (see top of p. 6 of Packet).of Packet).

•Combats procrastination &Combats procrastination & need for last-minute ________need for last-minute ________•Promotes distributed practice & reviewPromotes distributed practice & review of material for testof material for test•Allows for specific & _______ studying.Allows for specific & _______ studying.

How to Set Up Your 5-Day Study PlanHow to Set Up Your 5-Day Study Plan•Set a time-line.Set a time-line.

Day 1 Day 5

Day 4Day 3Day 2

•Days 1-4 for review of the groupings ofDays 1-4 for review of the groupings of information (usually grouped by textbook chapters)information (usually grouped by textbook chapters)

•Day 5 for a final review of special summary notesDay 5 for a final review of special summary notes compiled on Days 1-4compiled on Days 1-4•Work with your weekly time schedule whenWork with your weekly time schedule when setting up this 5-Day Plan—this time MUST be setsetting up this 5-Day Plan—this time MUST be set aside for ____________ & should not be used foraside for ____________ & should not be used for other ongoing assignments.other ongoing assignments.

The Steps Involved in Doing Your 5-The Steps Involved in Doing Your 5-Day Study PlanDay Study Plan

•Make __________ notes/Make __________ notes/ paragraphs or summaryparagraphs or summary flashcards on Days 1-4flashcards on Days 1-4 & then use Day 5 to & then use Day 5 to review them—Also, reviewreview them—Also, review them _____ before the test.them _____ before the test.

•After such hard work…plan aAfter such hard work…plan a reward for yourself, and be surereward for yourself, and be sure to follow through on it.to follow through on it.

You’ll deserve it!!You’ll deserve it!!

Other Ways to Prepare Yourself for anOther Ways to Prepare Yourself for anImportant TestImportant Test……

____________ about the test.____________ about the test.•Some instructors will provide you with detailsSome instructors will provide you with details about types of questions & number ofabout types of questions & number of questions.questions.

Previous students are also a source of info.,Previous students are also a source of info.,but instructors have been known to ______ testbut instructors have been known to ______ testformats.formats.

Predict Test QuestionsPredict Test Questions

•First step is understanding First step is understanding ________ of test questions of test questions (see middle part of p. 6 of Packet).(see middle part of p. 6 of Packet).

•If you know test format in advance, you can useIf you know test format in advance, you can use ____________________ suggested at the bottom____________________ suggested at the bottom of p. 6 to better prepare yourself.of p. 6 to better prepare yourself.•Essay questions are harder to predict.Essay questions are harder to predict.

•Cover larger topicsCover larger topics•We’ll focus exclusively on essays in Lecture 5!We’ll focus exclusively on essays in Lecture 5!

Are they T/F, Multiple-Choice,Matching, Fill-in-the-Blank,Short Answer, or Essay?

When Should You Start Preparing forWhen Should You Start Preparing forTests?Tests?

Set up a test study schedule at ____________Set up a test study schedule at ____________________________________.________________________.

Do ________ reviews of class material.Do ________ reviews of class material.

•Early & frequent review gives facts time to take root in your ____________.•Each day you have class…do a short (10-15 minutes) pre- and post-class review of lecture notes.•Do brief daily reviews when you read.•Short reviews should be ______ on your daily To-Do List!!

Continuing with Test Reviewing:Continuing with Test Reviewing:

Do _________ reviews.Do _________ reviews.•1 hour per subject•Longer & more _________ than daily reviews•Review both assigned readings & lecture notes•Practice ________ possible test questions.•Create and/or look over mind maps, summaries, or flashcards.

Tools & Study Aids for Review:Tools & Study Aids for Review:•____________—main ideas, related ideas, supporting details•Mind maps, cluster diagrams, flashcards, time-lines, creating test questions, etc.