Transcript Document
Test Preparation
Academic Success Center’s guide to help you succeed on your tests!
Academic Success Center
Kent State University MSC 207
“Make preparations in advance.
You never have trouble if you are prepared for it.”
~ Theodore Roosevelt
Coping with Test Anxiety
What Causes Test Anxiety?
Lack of preparation as indicated by:
– cramming the night before the exam.
– poor time management. – failure to organize text information.
– poor study habits.
Worrying about the following:
– past performance on exams.
– how friends and other students are doing .
– the negative consequences of failure.
Source: http://ub-counseling.buffalo.edu/stresstestanxiety.shtml
Coping with Test Anxiety
Confronting and Handling Test Anxiety
– – – – – Don't think about fear; just think about what you have to do.
Stay relevant.
Relax; you're in control. Take a slow, deep breath.
You should expect some anxiety; it's a reminder not to panic and to relax and cope steadily with the situation.
– Tenseness can be an ally, a friend; it's a cue to cope.
Coping with the Feeling of Being Overwhelmed
･ – – – – – – – – When the fear comes, just pause.
Keep the focus on the present; what is it you have to do?
You should expect your fear to rise some.
Don't try to eliminate fear totally; just keep it manageable.
You can convince yourself to do it. You can reason your fear away.
It's not the worst thing that can happen.
Do something that will prevent you from thinking about fear.
Describe what is around you. That way you won't think about worrying.
Source: http://ub-counseling.buffalo.edu/stresstestanxiety.shtml
Planning a Study Strategy
“Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
~Alan Lakein
Tips for Test Taking
Long Term Prep: – Review old tests – Review notes daily after class – Keep up with the reading – Join a study group
Tips for Test Taking
Short Term Prep: – One week before the test: • Prepare a study schedule • Put the material into a useful study tool – Day Before: • Have a brief review session • Get eight hours of sleep – Morning of: • Eat a well-balanced breakfast (Stay away from caffeine and sugar)
Know the Test
What format will the test be?
– Multiple choice, essay, or fill in the blank What will the test cover?
Use a study guide
Cumulative Exam Preparation
Tips on how to study for
cumulative
exams: – Get copies of old exams. These can act as “study guides” and help you to plan a review strategy.
– Consult the syllabus to refresh your memory with what was covered over the semester.
– Consult your textbook’s table of contents to draw up a comprehensive list of the materials that should be reviewed.
Preparing for Tests
Find a study place without distractions Restructure your notes: – Outlines or lists – Concept maps (focus on main concepts) – Flashcards (good for memorization) Form study groups – Explain the material to someone else – Ask questions – Compare notes
Restructuring Notes
Examples: QuickTime™ and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.
QuickTime™ and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture.
Concept Map Outline
Tips for Test Taking
Taking the Test: – Arrive early for tests and be prepared.
– Read the directions carefully – Answer questions in a strategic order • First easy questions • Then difficult questions – Review your test before turning it in.
Multiple Choice Test
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Circle or underline important words in the item.
Read all the answer choices before selecting one.
Cross out answer choices you are certain are not correct.
Look for two answers choices that are opposites.
Look for hints about the correct answer choice in other items on the test.
Look for answer choices that contain language used by your teacher or found in your textbooks.
Do not change your initial answer unless you are sure another answer is correct.
Choose “all of the above” if you are CERTAIN all other answer choices in the item are correct.
Choose “none of the above” if you are CERTAIN all other answer choices in the term are incorrect
Dealing with Difficult Questions
Eliminate options you know to be incorrect Give each option of a question the "true-false test:" Question options that grammatically don't fit with the stem
･
Question options that are totally unfamiliar to you
･
Question options that contain negative or absolute words.
Number answers: "Look alike options"
probably one is correct; choose the best but eliminate choices that mean basically the same thing, and thus cancel each other out ･
Double negatives:
Create the equivalent positive statement and consider ･
Echo options:
is correct ･ If two options are opposite each other, chances are one of them
Favor options that contain qualifier
s The result is longer, more inclusive items that better fill the role of the answer ･
If two alternatives seem correct,
the stem to find your best answer compare them for differences, then refer to From http://www.studygs.net/
Essay Exams
Read through the exam Start with a prompt you are comfortable with.
List main ideas Create a rough outline If you are stuck, move on.