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Test Taking STRATEGIES. AcCESS Program. Angel Nevin Abdula Newman Nick Ritchie. GOALS OF THE SESSION. Pre-test During the test Post-test What if’s Test taking strategies How to reduce test anxiety. Group Activity. Please provide us with your thoughts
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Test Taking STRATEGIES AcCESS Program • Angel Nevin • Abdula Newman • Nick Ritchie
GOALS OF THE SESSION • Pre-test • During the test • Post-test • What if’s • Test taking strategies • How to reduce test anxiety
Group Activity • Please provide us with your thoughts • What should one do before the exam? • What should one do during the exam? • What should one do after the exam?
Before an Exam • Ask your Professor/T.A. Questions • Ex: Type of exam? How many questions? What chapters does the exam cover? • Prepare physically • Sleep • Eat • Exercise • Prepare mentally • Prepare emotionally
During an exam • Arrive at least 10 minutes early • Write your name on all test materials • Read ALL of the directions carefully • Maximize your time • Analyze, ask, and stay calm • Ask your professor/T.A. questions for clarification when needed
After an exam • Review the test for grading errors • Understand your errors – ask questions! • Go to office hours to discuss further • Review your preparations – add more time if needed
WHAT IF… • My professor doesn’t/won’t tell you the type of exam to expect • You miss your exam • You don’t understand a question • A question wording is confusing • You have a time-conflict • Can you think of any other ‘what if’ scenarios that we can work through together?
Resources • Final Exam Schedule: http://www.fau.edu/registrar/schedule/FinalExamSchedule.php • Testing Center: http://www.fau.edu/testing/ • Tutoring and SI:http://www.fau.edu/CLASS/ • Up OWL Night:http://www.fau.edu/class/SICurrent/UpOwlNight.php
Type of exams Multiple Choice Essay/short answer Budget your time Create an outline first Identify and use the key task words in each question Do not write overly complex responses • Elimination is the key! • Take advantage of the cues within the question: • Absolute words (e.g. always, never, only) are often incorrect (but not always). • Not, except, and but – the most inclusive answer is often correct • Read the first part of the question and predict the answer prior to reviewing choices • Avoid second guessing
Type of exams True/False Open book/Take Home Exams are usually more difficult! Allow yourself plenty of time for completion Create notecards that contain relevant information Mark your notebook/textbook for easier accessibility: Page numbers Colored tabs If essay – answers need to be comprehensive • Every part of a true sentence must be true • Questions containing always, never, and onlytend to be false • The terms often and frequently suggest that it might be true • Treat all questions independently – avoid second guessing
Type of exams Oral Math - based Make estimates for your answers Show all work and write legibly Answer the easy questions first Do not erase work, even if your answer is incorrect If needed, make a picture Write all formulas on margin or scrap paper for later use at start of test • Dress accordingly • Turn off your cell phone • Maintain good eye contact and posture • Seek clarification if you do not understand the question asked • Speak in complete sentences • Include visual aids if possible • Practice by talking in front of a mirror, tutor, friends and/or family – use questions that you believe will be asked
TYPES OF TEST ANXIETY • Anticipatory • Experience anxiety while preparing for the test • Situational • Experience anxiety during the test • Symptoms of both types include: • Mental distraction • Physical discomfort (e.g. Nausea, cramps, tension) • Inability to recall material • A flood of negative thoughts regarding the test material
TEST ANXIETY REDUCTION • Ask Questions!!! • Create a positive environment • Breathing – stay in the moment • Take care of your body – your mind will benefit • Visualization • Progressive Relaxation
Helpful Videos • Before, During and After: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrgNyDH3HrQ • Multiple choice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm3Jq4JYTEI&feature=related • Essay Exam: (Part 1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uraHllrHjvA(Part 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z73tswpuek&feature=relmfu • Math Exams: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8mbcXPeq_E • Stress Relief Info and techniques: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8p06Oa0VGY&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=FniXv5Q1-aI For permission to use this presentation, please email access@fau.edu