Guest blogger- Counseling corner-:Test-taking strategies part 3

After the Test

When you receive your test paper, go over it to determine areas of strength and weakness in your test-taking skills. If you have done poorly, learn from your mistakes! Always analyze your tests to determine how you can improve future test results.

Analyze your tests 

You can help yourself to perform better on tests by analyzing your strengths and weaknesses as a test-taker. Download a copy of the form that follows, then follow the directions below. This process should help you to determine how you can improve in the way you prepare for and take tests.

Directions:

1.    Complete the top portion of the form. Be as specific and honest as possible in describing the way you studied (or didn't study).

2.    Under questions missed, write in the numbers of the actual test questions that were incorrect on your test. If you missed questions 5, 8, 13, and 29, those are the numbers you should write in that column.

3.    Now go across the rows of the chart. For example, if you got #5 wrong, determine:

o       How many points were taken off? 

o       What kind of question or problem was it?

o       What do you think was the reason that you got it wrong?

4.    Look for patterns. Ask:

o       What kinds of questions did you have the most difficulty with?

o       Which questions were worth the most points? 

o       What can you do to improve on your next test?

o       How can make sure you get more of the high value questions correct next time?

5.    Ask yourself what you still don't understand about the test or test question(s) that you answered incorrectly. 

o       Did you have difficulty understanding the instructor's comments? 

o       Write down any questions that you need to ask your instructor. 

o       If you have questions for the professor, or want to clarify how you can improve in your next test, make an appointment to discuss these issues.

6.    Make a list of the things that you need to do to be more successful in your next test. Ask questions like:

o       How can I make sure I understand the material?

o       Do I need to manage my time better so I can spend more time studying? 

o       How can I determine what is important to study?

o       How should I prepare for the test?

o       What strategies should I use while taking the test?

7.    Look at tests from other courses and see if there is a pattern. What can you learn from your successes and failures?

8.    If you see that you have difficulty with a particular kind of test question, such as essay questions, or you want to learn more about test taking strategies, ask your teacher or counselor for help.

Course: _______________________________________ Date of exam: ___________ Predicted grade: __________ Actual grade: __________ % of total grade: _________ Relevant details of the study process: (# of days/time spent studying, special methods used, etc.) _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
Question Profile			Reason that Answer was Incorrect
Question Missed	Points Lost	Type of Question*	Careless-ness	Material Unfamiliar	Mis-interpreted	Not Complete

*	MC = multiple choice MA = Matching	T/F = True/False ESS = Essay	COM = completion
You may want to use other categories, i.e. for math: calculation, word problem, formula, etc.

Book Fair is coming!!!! November 19-21, 2013

Once again students at Kenilworth are preparing to host the 2nd annual book fair, taking place from November 19th through the 21st. The store will be open everyday during school breaks, lunch and 1 day to shop after school on November 21st from 2:30 to 6:30pm. Everyone is welcome!  Help us encourage students to read everyday and foster a love for books.  The profits made from the book fair are used to buy more reading books for Kenilworth classrooms.

Special instructions:  Please send your student with cash, credit card, or checks made out to

scholastic on the days of the book fair.   

Let’s get kids reading!!!!!!!   Thank you.

Guest blogger- Counseling corner-:Test-taking strategies part 2

Some tips for "what to do during a test":

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. 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.    Answer the easiest questions first, to help yourself calm down. Matching questions are often good to start with because they provide a reminder of important terms and definitions.

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

o       Look for the central idea of each question. What is the main point?

o       Statements that begin with always, never, none, except, most, or least-are probably NOT the answer . Underline these or other key words if you are allowed to write on the test paper.

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

o       Mark an answer for every question.

o       If you have to guess:

§        The length of choices can be a clue. Choose the longest.

§        If two choices are similar, choose neither.

§        If two choices are opposites, choose one of them.

§        The most general alternative is usually the right answer.

8.    When answering essay 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:

o       Read over all the essay questions before you start to write. Underline key words like define, compare, explain, etc. 

o       Think before you write. Remember, a good answer:

§        Starts with a direct response to the question.

§        Mentions the topics or areas described in the question. 

§        Provides specific as well as general information.

§        Uses the technical vocabulary of the course.

o       Then map or outline the main points you want to make, determine the order in which you want to write your points, determine the support you want to add, then write.

o       Write legibly. Leave some space so you can add to your answer, later.

o       Proofread your essay. Check for grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. This often adds points!

9.    When problem solving, ask yourself:

o       What am I being asked to find?

o       What do I need to know in order to find the answer?

o       What information has been provided that will help me to find the answer?

o       How can I break the problem down into parts? What steps should I follow to solve the problem?

o       Does the answer make sense? Does it cover the whole problem? 

10. 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.

Guest blogger- Counseling corner-:Test-taking strategies

Some tips for before your student takes a test

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.

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

5.    Analyze past tests to determine how you can improve test results.

6.    Get 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.

7.    Before a test or exam, break 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.

8.    Practice answering essay questions BEFORE the test. Use cognitive questions at all levels to assure learning and ability to answer essay questions. For example: How would you describe, compare/contrast, predict, classify, apply, evaluate, prioritize, etc?

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

10.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. 

11.Maintain healthy living habits. Get a good night's sleep before the test.