test taking strategies access program angel nevin abdula newman nick ritchie
TRANSCRIPT
TEST
TAKIN
G
STRAT
EGIES
AC
CE
S S P
RO
GR
AM
•Angel
Nev
in
•Abdula
New
man
•Nick
Ritc
hie
GOALS OF THE SESSION
Pre-test
During the test
Post-test
What if’s
Test taking strategies
How to reduce test anxiety
GROUP ACTIVITYPlease provide us with your thoughts
• What should one do before the exam?
• What should one do during the exam?
• What should one do after the exam?
BEFORE AN EXAM Ask your Professor/T.A. Questions
Ex: Type of exam? How many questions?
What chapters does the exam cover?
Prepare physicallySleepEatExercise
Prepare mentally
Prepare emotionally
DURING AN EXAM Arrive at least 10 minutes early
Write your name on all test
materials
Read ALL of the directions
carefully
Maximize your time
Analyze, ask, and stay calm
Ask your professor/T.A. questions
for clarification when needed
AFTER AN EXAM Review the test for grading errors
Understand your errors – ask questions!
Go to office hours to discuss further
Review your preparations – add more time
if needed
• My professor doesn’t/won’t tell you the type of exam to expect
• You miss your exam
• You don’t understand a question
• A question wording is confusing
• You have a time-conflict
• Can you think of any other ‘what if’ scenarios that we can work through together?
WHAT IF…
RESOURCES
Final Exam Schedule: http://www.fau.edu/registrar/schedule/FinalExamSchedule.php
Testing Center: http://www.fau.edu/testing/
Tutoring and SI:http://www.fau.edu/CLASS/
Up OWL Night:http://www.fau.edu/class/SICurrent/UpOwlNight.php
TYPE OF EXAMS
M U LT I P L E C H O I C EE SS AY / S H O RT
A N S W E R
Budget your time
Create an outline first
Identify and use the key task words in each question
Do not write overly complex responses
Elimination is the key!
Take advantage of the cues within the question:
Absolute words (e.g. always, never, only) are often incorrect (but not always).
Not, except, and but – the most inclusive answer is often correct
Read the first part of the question and predict the answer prior to reviewing choices
Avoid second guessing
TYPE OF EXAMS
T R U E / FA L S EO P E N B O O K / TA K E
H O M E Exams are usually more difficult!
Allow yourself plenty of time for completion
Create notecards that contain relevant information
Mark your notebook/textbook for easier accessibility:
Page numbersColored tabs
If essay – answers need to be comprehensive
Every part of a true sentence must be true
Questions containing always, never, and only tend to be false
The terms often and frequently suggest that it might be true
Treat all questions independently – avoid second guessing
TYPE OF EXAMSO R A L M AT H - B A S E D
Make estimates for your answers
Show all work and write legibly
Answer the easy questions first
Do not erase work, even if your answer is incorrect
If needed, make a picture
Write all formulas on margin or scrap paper for later use at start of test
Dress accordingly
Turn off your cell phone
Maintain good eye contact and posture
Seek clarification if you do not understand the question asked
Speak in complete sentences
Include visual aids if possible
Practice by talking in front of a mirror, tutor, friends and/or family – use questions that you believe will be asked
TYPES OF TEST ANXIETY Anticipatory
Experience anxiety while preparing for the test
Situational Experience anxiety during the test
Symptoms of both types include:Mental distractionPhysical discomfort (e.g. Nausea, cramps, tension)Inability to recall materialA flood of negative thoughts regarding the test material
TEST ANXIETY REDUCTION
Ask Questions!!!
Create a positive environment
Breathing – stay in the moment
Take care of your body – your mind will benefit
Visualization
Progressive Relaxation
HELPFUL VIDEOS
Before, During and After: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrgNyDH3HrQ
Multiple choice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm3Jq4JYTEI&feature=related
Essay Exam: (Part 1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uraHllrHjvA(Part 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z73tswpuek&feature=relmfu
Math Exams: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8mbcXPeq_E
Stress Relief Info and techniques: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8p06Oa0VGY&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=FniXv5Q1-aI
For permission to use this presentation, please email [email protected]