Test-Taking Strategies that Work
Standardized tests and test-taking situations vary greatly and chances are your students are not familiar with each type or situation. You can help them become successful test-takers by taking the time to prepare them for the testing situation. Use these tips to get your students in top shape for test day.
This Week's Tips
Discuss Standardized Tests With Students (Monday)
Students need to familiarize themselves with a standardized test prior to taking it. Standardized tests are not all the same. Be sure to go over the test format and question types as thoroughly as possible. Check with your textbook publisher, testing company, or state board to get all the pre-test material possible.
Practice Standardized Tests (Tuesday)
Provide practice tests for students to use. Extensive practice is the most important part of a student's preparation for any standardized test. Practice all types of questions they will encounter on their test. Understand the guidelines that will be used to evaluate constructed responses and communicate them to students.
Teach Students Test-Taking Strategies That Work (Wednesday)
Give students tips that will help them give their best performance on a test. Students must realize that successful test-takers usually have specific strategies that they use when being tested. Test-taking skills must be learned, just as the subject matter must be mastered.
Review Content Covered on Standardized Tests (Thursday)
Students will benefit from reviewing the subject matter covered on the standardized test. This will insure that they are ready for both what the test asks and how it does so. If there are specific objectives or competencies that are tested on the exam your students must take, help them review the facts or skills specified by each standard in advance so that they have time to become proficient in them.
Warm-Up Before Standardized Tests (Friday)
Prepare a few easy warm-up questions to give to students. They should take the warm-up test right before class. This will allow them to gain confidence while preparing their minds for the intense focus required in standardized tests.
