TEST TAKING

STRATEGIES

A C C E S S PR O G R A M

•Angel

Nevin

•Abd

ula New

man

•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 ACTIVITYPlease 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 physicallySleepEatExercise

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

• 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?

WHAT IF…

RESOURCESFinal 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 EXAMSM U LT I P L E C H O I C E

E SS AY / S H O RT A N S W E R

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 EXAMST R U E / FA L S E

O P E N B O O K / TA K E H O M E

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 numbersColored tabs

If essay – answers need to be comprehensive

Every part of a true sentence must be true

Questions containing always, never, and only tend to be false

The terms often and frequently suggest that it might be true

Treat all questions independently – avoid second guessing

TYPE OF EXAMSO R A L M AT H - B A S E D

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 distractionPhysical discomfort (e.g. Nausea, cramps, tension)Inability to recall materialA 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=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=FniXv5Q1-aI

For permission to use this presentation, please email access@fau.edu