Test Taking STRATEGIES
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Transcript Test Taking STRATEGIES
GOALS OF THE SESSION
Pre-test
During the test
Post-test
What if’s
Test taking strategies
How to reduce test anxiety
GROUP ACTIVITY
Please 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 physically
Sleep
Eat
Exercise
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?
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 E
E S S AY / S H O R T A N S W E R
Elimination is the key!
Budget your time
Take advantage of the cues within the
question:
Create an outline first
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
Identify and use the key task
words in each question
Do not write overly complex
responses
TYPE OF EXAMS
T RU E / FA L S E
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
O 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 numbers
Colored tabs
If essay – answers need to be comprehensive
TYPE OF EXAMS
ORAL
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
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
TYPES OF TEST ANXIETY
Anticipatory
Experience anxiety while preparing for the test
Situational
Experience anxiety during the test
Symptoms of both types include:
Mental distraction
Physical discomfort (e.g. Nausea, cramps, tension)
Inability to recall material
A 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
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