Test-taking Strategies Dealing with Test Anxiety
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Transcript Test-taking Strategies Dealing with Test Anxiety
Test-taking Strategies
Dealing with Test Anxiety
TRENHOLM STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Dr. Rebecca Ball-Coats
[email protected]
(334) 420-4464
Mr. Damon K. Blythe
[email protected]
(334) 420-4463
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER
Test-taking
Strategies
•
SURVEY AND PREPARE
•
READ DIRECTIONS
•
TYPES OF QUESTIONS
•
REVIEW
Survey and Prepare
Read over entire test
Read instructions CAREFULLY
Figure out how much time you need to spend on each section
Do a “mind dump” on scratch paper
Take a deep breath and keep a positive outlook
Read Directions
Be sure to read ALL the directions!
Make sure you know what you’re being asked.
Matching
Write the Response
Draw a Line
True/False
Multiple Choice
One Answer
Mark All that Apply
Fill in the Blank
Short Answer
Essay
Math
Types of Questions
Matching: This is often the easiest and best place to start.
True/False
Watch out for absolutes: all, none, etc.
The more detail, the more likely to be true
Multiple Choice: Read the ENTIRE question, paying attention to details.
Try to answer BEFORE looking at your answer options
Answer what you know
Process of Elimination
Qualifiers: always, never, none, all, except, etc.
Grammar clues: a/an, plural, etc.
Context clues
http://www.lethbridgecollege.net/elearningcafe/index.php/studyskills/vocabularydevelopment/context-clues-exercises
Types of Questions
Fill in the Blank: again, context clues and read carefully
If you’re not sure, but you remember something, write it down. You may get partial credit.
Consider the number of lines to be filled in, if more than one.
Be general, if you’re not sure: 2000s instead of 2005
Grammar clues, as with multiple choice (a/an, plurals)
Short Answer: restate the question and look back at your “mind dump” notes
Use the same strategies here as with Fill in the Blank questions
Essay Questions
Read carefully and look for key words: discuss, define, compare, etc.
Outline first and Proofread last
Restate the question and look back to your notes again
Remember, essays are not only about what you know but how well you can
explain/describe it to your reader
Types of Questions
Math Questions
The same strategies apply!
Do a “mind dump” of formulas and rules
Pay attention to + and – signs
Show all of your work
Put a box around your answer so your instructor can find it easily
Don’t get bogged down—do the easy questions first, then budget your time
Review to make sure you have answered what the question is asking—
especially with word problems
Review
Leave time to review your test before you turn it in/submit it
Did you answer EVERY question?
Don’t change any answers unless you are 150% sure you made a mistake,
usually this only happens when:
You realize you read the question incorrectly and gave an answer that wasn’t
what was asked for
You found the correct answer somewhere later on the test
Take another deep breath and SMILE—you’re done!!
Dealing with Test
Anxiety
•
PREPARE FOR YOUR TEST EARLY
•
RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Preparing For Your Test Early
Check your syllabi—know when tests are coming
Make study notes
Study with classmates and find a tutor if needed
Predict possible test questions from your notes
Ask questions about items you’re unsure of during an in class test / quiz
review
Review material periodically—don’t cram, it doesn’t work
Study in a test environment—if you usually listen to music but won’t be
able to during the test, study without it
Relaxation Techniques
Take deep breaths
Focus on relaxing muscle groups, clench then release from head to toe
Talk yourself through the test and visualize finishing successfully
Know that you are prepared
You have studied
You have pen/pencil/any materials needed
Have confidence in yourself! You’ve got this!!!
Questions?
Trenholm State Technical College
Dr. Rebecca Ball-Coats
[email protected]
(334) 420-4464
Mr. Damon K. Blythe
[email protected]
(334) 420-4463
Student Success Center