Test Taking Strategies
When you arrive at middle school, you might think, "Well, it's just like 5th grade but one year later!" But the truth is, 6th grade is a major step forward in your academic life. It's the first time you get letter grades. There is also a major change in how your school day looks. You change classes a lot. The main difference, academically speaking, is that your teachers are expecting more from you - we want better quality and we want more depth in the work that you submit. What all of THAT means is that middle school is hard at first!
I put this page together to help you with one of the big, scary things about middle school - tests! Below you will find some really good test-taking strategies. Try a few of them and see how they work. You might find that these particular strategies don't work for you, but they will likely lead you to strategies that will work for you. Good luck!
HERE is a guide for how to memorize test items!
HERE is a guide for how to study for tests and memorize stuff!
Test Preparation Tips
The ASPIRE study method
A: Approach/attitude/arrange
Here is a method of studying that gives you an accurate perception of how well you know the material, and forces you to think about it, rather than just look over it.
* Review your notes and readings frequently, so the material is "fresh"
* As you're reading your text or reviewing your notes, write down questions about the material. Imagine you're teaching the course. What questions would you ask on the exam?
* Keep track of any terms you need to know
Try the index card system:
Some tips:
Taken from the “Study Guides and Strategies” website.
When you arrive at middle school, you might think, "Well, it's just like 5th grade but one year later!" But the truth is, 6th grade is a major step forward in your academic life. It's the first time you get letter grades. There is also a major change in how your school day looks. You change classes a lot. The main difference, academically speaking, is that your teachers are expecting more from you - we want better quality and we want more depth in the work that you submit. What all of THAT means is that middle school is hard at first!
I put this page together to help you with one of the big, scary things about middle school - tests! Below you will find some really good test-taking strategies. Try a few of them and see how they work. You might find that these particular strategies don't work for you, but they will likely lead you to strategies that will work for you. Good luck!
HERE is a guide for how to memorize test items!
HERE is a guide for how to study for tests and memorize stuff!
Test Preparation Tips
- Preparation for your first test should begin on the first day of class; this includes paying attention during class, taking good notes, studying, completing homework assignments and reviewing study materials on a regular basis.
- Budget your time, make sure you have sufficient time to study so that you are well prepared for the test.
- Take notes and ask questions about items you may be confused about.
- Go over any material from practice tests, HW's, sample problems, review material, the textbook, class notes...
- Eat before a test. Having food in your stomach will give you energy and help you focus but avoid heavy foods which can make you groggy.
- Don't try to pull an all-nighter. Get plenty of sleep before the test.
- Put the main ideas/information/formulas onto a sheet that can be quickly reviewed many times, this makes it easier to retain the key concepts that will be on the test.
The ASPIRE study method
A: Approach/attitude/arrange
- Approach your studies with a positive attitude
- Arrange your schedule to eliminate distractions
- Select a reasonable chunk of material to study
- Survey the headings, graphics, pre- and post-questions to get an overview
- Scan the text for keywords and vocabulary: mark what you don’t understand
- Put aside your books and notes
- Piece together what you've studied, either alone, with a study pal or group:
summarize what you understand.
- Investigate alternative sources of information you can refer to:
other text books, websites, experts, tutors, etc. - Inquire from support professionals (academic support, librarians, tutors, teachers, experts,) and other resources for assistance
- Inspect what you did not understand.
- Reexamine: What questions are there yet to ask? Is there something I am missing?
- Reflect: How can I apply this to my project? Is there a new application for it?
- Relay: Can I explain this to my fellow students? Will they understand it better if I do?
- Evaluate your grades on tests and tasks: look for a pattern
- Examine your progress: toward achieving your goals
- Explore options: with a teacher, support professional, tutor, parent if you are not satisfied.
Here is a method of studying that gives you an accurate perception of how well you know the material, and forces you to think about it, rather than just look over it.
* Review your notes and readings frequently, so the material is "fresh"
* As you're reading your text or reviewing your notes, write down questions about the material. Imagine you're teaching the course. What questions would you ask on the exam?
* Keep track of any terms you need to know
Try the index card system:
- Write each question or term on the front of an index card.
- On the back of each index card, write an answer or an explanation for the question or term on the back. Use your notes and text for a reference, but put the answer or explanation in your own words whenever possible.
- Shuffle the index cards so you can't figure out any answers based on their location in the deck.
- Look at the card on the top of the deck. Try to answer the question or explain the term.
If you know it, great! Put it on the bottom of the deck. If you don't know it, look at the answer, and then stick it back in the deck a few cards down from where you are now (so you'll come back to it soon). - Proceed through the deck of cards until you know all of the information.
Some tips:
- Carry your cards with you everywhere. Take advantage of little pockets of time.
Test yourself while you're waiting on line, riding the bus, etc. - If you think you know an answer but can't put it into words, you probably don't know it well enough. Explaining the information is a good way to be sure that you know it.
It's also a good way to prevent test anxiety. - Test yourself someplace where nobody can see you and recite the answers out loud.
That's the best way to be sure that you can explain them. - Study with a friend from your class. You can share ideas and help each other out with concepts. You can use each other to make sure that you're explaining your answers adequately.
Taken from the “Study Guides and Strategies” website.