During the Test

1.      Get to the test site early so you can select a seat, organize your materials, and get relaxed. Be prepared with pencils, paper, calculator, books (if appropriate), etc.

2.      Get the big picture. Survey the entire test before you answer any questions. This will help you to get an overview of what's expected and to strategize how you will take the test.

3.      Take a few deep breaths and to relax tense muscles. Repeat throughout the test. This process will help you to stay relaxed and to make more energy available for remembering, thinking, and writing.

4.      Read directions carefully. If you can, ask questions if you don't understand or need clarification.

5.      Do a quick "mind dump" of information you don't want to forget. Write it down on scrap paper or in the margin.

6.      Use good strategies for answering multiple choice and other objective questions.

7.      Underline key words while reading questions and answer choices.

8.      Try to supply your own answer before choosing an alternative listed on the test.

9.      Mark an answer for every question.

10.  When answering essay or short answer questions, remember that the objective is to demonstrate how well you can explain and support an idea, not just what you know. Keep the following in mind:
- Read over all the essay questions before you start to write. Underline key words like define, compare, explain, etc.
- Think before you write. Remember, a good answer:
- Starts with a direct response to the question.
- Mention the topics or areas described in the question.
- Provide specific as well as general information.
- Use technical vocabulary correctly that relates to the essay or short answer topic

11.  When problem solving, ask yourself:
- What am I being asked to find?
- What do I need to know in order to find the answer?
- What information has been provided that will help me to find the answer?
- How can I break the problem down into parts?
- What steps should I follow to solve the problem?
- Does the answer make sense? Does it cover the whole problem?

12.  DO NOT FORGET.... Keep an eye on the clock. Make sure you'll have time to complete the test sections with the highest value, if not the entire test. 

"During the Test" techniques were adapted from

< http://faculty.bucks.edu/specpop/tests.htm>

Have you ever heard your teacher drone on and on about studying every night?

Well sorry to break it to you.... they were RIGHT! (I'm not saying this because I'm a teacher either)

I'm simple saying it because it is the truth. To break it down for you, it is much easier to study a little at a time, rather than cramming 8 months of material into a week, night, or even a couple hours of studying.

 The goal of this blog is less of this:

More of this:

Below I have provided some basic techniques and suggestions for before an exam no matter how small or large it is.

1.      Stay up-to-date on assignments. Learn material and review as you go along.

2.      Make sure you understand the information as you are learning it. That way, you won't have to "re-learn" it OR have to "cram" a great deal of information at one time.

3.      Read and study information in meaningful chunks (by chapters or units) so that you'll be able to "file" and "retrieve" information easily. (Think of your brain as a large file cabinet... If it is organized properly retrieving files can be easy but the opposite is true if the file cabinet is messy).

4.      At the end of each chapter or unit, identify the information that was most important. Make "Flash Cards" on information that you can easily carry and use for study on a regular basis.

5.      Try to understand the "Big Picture." Ask the instructor about the test. Find out what information will be stressed and the kinds of questions that will be asked. Then go over your text and lecture notes to develop a study strategy. Map or outline the course contents if you haven't done so previously. (Side note: for state exams, instructors do not know specific topics that may show up on the test)

6.      Before a test or exam, divide study sessions into manageable time segments and meaningful units. You'll remember more if you study for short periods of time (45 minutes to 1 hour) and over a longer period of time (1-2 weeks) than if you cram all your study into a "binge" session the night before the test.

7.      Practice answering essay questions BEFORE the test. For example: How would you describe, compare/contrast, predict, classify, apply, evaluate, prioritize, etc? Have a parent of friend quiz you verbally using these types of questions.

8.      Use mnemonic techniques to memorize lists, definitions, and other specific kinds of information.

9.      Form a study group with other students in your class to discuss and quiz each other on important material. This will add other perspectives and help to "complete" your study if you tend to be either a "detailed" or "big-picture" learner.

10.  Maintain healthy living habits. Get a good night's sleep before the test and a good meal in the morning.

"Before the test" techniques were adapted from

< http://faculty.bucks.edu/specpop/tests.htm>