Test-Taking Tips Help Reduce Student Anxiety

Standardized tests are becoming increasingly common at all levels of public and private schooling. For many students, these tests can be a source of anxiety. But by following some simple strategies, both students and their parents can be fully prepared for success on test day:

Tip #1: Read all directions carefully! Oftentimes in test-taking environments, the adrenaline gets pumping and students read through instructions too quickly. Taking the extra time to slow down and make sure they understand the question not only saves students from making wrong answers, but also saves time in the long run.

Tip #2: Listen attentively to the teacher or proctor. It's very easy to let anxiety take over while waiting for the teacher to start the exam. Talk to your child about taking a deep breath and not getting distracted from the directions the teacher is giving.

Tip #3: If the directions are confusing, ask! Your child's teacher is there to help explain unclear directions. It is always better for your child to ask and be told by the teacher that they can't answer the question than to not ask at all.

Tip #4: It's OK to take a break. Time management is important, but not if it means that your child is going to burn out before the end of the test. If your child says that tests feel overwhelming and exhausting, tell him that it's OK to put his pencil down and close his eyes, stare out the window for a moment or just take a few deep breaths. Just don't lose track of time!

Tip #5: Manage time well. Good time management is critical to good test taking. It doesn't matter if your child is in 3rd grade or graduate school, no one wants to run out of time on a test. Every question gets equal weight, so it is in your child's best interest to skip questions that are particularly difficult and save them for the end. And if your child finishes early, answers should be double checked!

 


test taking strategies for students || how to study for a test effectively

An Introduction To Test Preparation Tutoring

Taking the SAT, GMAT or other tests can be taxing on students, particularly since most academic institutions use these tests to help them make admissions decisions about the applicants. A good score makes an applicant stand out, while a poor score damages the applicant’s chances. In the face of pressure, some students experience examination anxiety, which causes them to panic during a test. Other reasons may be lack of focused preparation. Due to one or a combination of these factors, test preparation tutoring is gaining popularity.

Test preparation tutorials are available in libraries and on the Internet. These include online tutoring, one-on-one tutoring, and group tutoring sessions. The courses offer comprehensive strategies for each section of the test, rigorous review of the applicant’s responses, and step-by-step guidance from trained faculty, in addition to online workshops and home-study material.

Many learning centers offer preparation programs, usually involving one tutor and a group of students. Students are taught specific test-taking strategies, such as making educated guesses and process of elimination. They are also given practice tests to track their progress. The cost of tutoring services vary with each learning center.

A number of students purchase test preparation books like The Official SAT Study Guide or Kaplan New SAT 2005 that offer diagnostic practice tests. Many also download the Free GMAT Prep Test Preparation Software from the Internet. Some consider hiring a tutor to provide an analysis of their test results in a bid to identify their weaknesses precisely.

Online programs like SparkNotes provide critical analysis of a range of subjects including English literature, history, math, and science. They also include mock tests. Many students favor the reduced costs of this method, but perseverance plays an integral role in the success of this approach. Since the individual is left with both the test taking and evaluation tasks, determination levels might drop with some students.

 


test taking strategies for students || how to study for a test effectively

Emergency Lesson Plans, Real Lifesaving Tools for Teachers

Everyone gets those situations in life where an emergency has come up, and you don't have the time (or sometimes the ability) to get a good lesson plan in to school for your students. Maybe you have a family emergency or a disrupted travel plan and you just cannot get into school to leave detailed lessons. That is why it is essential for you to have an emergency lesson plan available and handy.
The emergency lesson plan should be able to be used at ANY point in the year. It doesn't have to fit in with what you're currently doing (nor should it - it is to be used when you cannot leave normal sub plans). The lesson should be related to your normal curriculum, but it could be a supplement or an enrichment activity.

Get a folder (or a three-ring binder), and label it appropriately on the outside cover. There are even folders you can purchase (some schools even make these available to teachers) labeled 'sub folder' or 'emergency plans'. Also make sure you have an appropriate spot for your emergency folder on or in your desk area. Some schools will ask you to keep an emergency plan in the office. In either case, make sure it is easily accessible by a substitute teacher.

Think about keeping class activities to 10 to 15 minute increments. This way the sub will have better control of your kids. Students have difficulties adjusting to changes in their routines, and you don't want to have to return to discipline referrals.

Keep the information organized and easily accessible for a sub. Remember, the sub won't know where you normally keep things, and they can't read your mind. Spell out exactly what you want done, where it can be found, and what you want done with it when they're finished.

Make sure you have made enough copies of any worksheets so the sub doesn't have to. And be sure to leave answer keys. Many subs will actually even grade your assignments for you if you ask them in your plans.

Get this done early in the year, and you can save yourself many headaches later, not to mention worries about what will happen in your room if you are unable to be there.

EMERGENCY LESSON PLAN IDEAS:

Language Arts: Include short writing activities involving students opinions. Thus they don't have to have 'background' information, and they can write from their own experiences. Parts of speech review can include mad-libs or easy, fun worksheets.

Math: Leave a calculator activity. These could even be puzzles or partner games. Or give review problems.

Science: Copy a science article and have students read carefully and answer questions. Make speculations and use the scientific method. Or have students create the plans for a lab activity.

Reading: Leave students a copy of a short story or article, and questions to answer. You could even set up a 'test-taking' exercise, and discuss appropriate answers and strategies.

Social Studies: Map activities are great for emergency plans. You can even set up a one-day unit on any area/region of the world, including your own town or city.

Everyone gets those situations in life where an emergency has come up, and you don't have the time (or sometimes the ability) to get a good lesson plan in to school for your students. Maybe you have a family emergency or a disrupted travel plan and you just cannot get into school to leave detailed lessons. That is why it is essential for you to have an emergency lesson plan available and handy.

 


test taking strategies for students || how to study for a test effectively

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