By Tom Kowalski
NFL Continuing Education Consultant
If there is one word that clearly causes students undue stress, that word is test. Regardless of ability or preparation, a test brings with it the fear of failure. Students seldom look forward to a test, even in their favorite subjects.
If school were an athletic contest, everyone would look forward to tests just as most student-athletes look forward to games. Like athletes who put countless hours into practicing their craft, high school and college students have put plenty of time into honing their academic skills. So why do we love games but hate tests? Why do we expect to compete favorably yet fear testing poorly? Strategies for successful test taking are not unlike preparing for a game.
Before the Test:
- Being successful on a test begins long before the test is announced or scheduled. Make sure to attend each and every class session and listen attentively to the teacher. During classroom discussions, teachers tend to spend more time and emphasis on areas that likely will be included on a test.
- Learn to take good notes and then review your class notes daily. This is the most important key to scoring well on tests. Be an active reviewer. Learn to highlight and add to your notes during your review session.
- Do your homework. To be successful on tests, you have to practice — homework gives you the opportunity to perfect what you understand and get help with what might baffle you.
- Does your teacher offer review sessions? If so, make sure that you attend. Also, remember that right before the test, that exam is on the teacher’s mind as well, so make certain that you attend those class sessions to listen for clues.
- Many students find that a good way to organize their notes and make sure that they know important information is to make flashcards. Make certain to check out the online options for making flashcards. In comparison to a sporting event, flashcards are like a scrimmage.
- If you are uncertain of the material on the test, ask the instructor. Far too many students fail to understand that being successful in the classroom is a team effort.
- Does your school offer additional resources like tutoring or resource centers? If so, take advantage of them as needed — remember, this is about you and your grade. Give yourself every advantage.
- Cramming is another word for procrastination. Both are the enemy of success. Enough said.
- Always be practical. Get plenty of sleep the night before a test, never be late, and make certain that you eat a well-balanced but not overly heavy meal at least three hours before an exam.
During The Test:
- Always read the directions, in their entirety, before you begin the test. Then, carefully read each question.
- If the test is multiple choice, think of what the answer might be prior to looking at the choices. Once you decide on an answer, only change it if you
are sure. In most cases the first answer you think of is right answer
- If you are taking a multiple choice test and have the option of all of the above, it only requires that you find more than one correct answer.
- If you are taking a multiple choice test and have the option of none of the above, just look for one right answer to rule out that option.
- Know before the test if you will get penalized for not answering questions. If so, budget your time appropriately. Spending too long on one section, no matter if you get the entire section correct, may have a negative effect on your grade.
- On a true/false test, studies have shown that there are usually more true answers than false – but use this advice at your own risk.
- On a true/false exam, read the question carefully, looking for words that may try and throw you off such as “always” or “never.” These words are absolutes and one exception to the rule will help you answer the question correctly.
- An “open book” exam is almost always more difficult than a traditional exam. Study as if the test were not going to be “open book.”
- In an “essay” exam, make sure that you clearly understand the question. Is the teacher looking for facts or for your opinion? This difference will be critical to your success. Do write down as much as you know so that you can be sure to at least get some credit for the answer.
- If you have time at the end of a test session go back and proofread your essays, but don’t waste too much time during the test trying to perfect them.
Walking into a test unprepared is gut-wrenching. Students who do so cheat themselves. It takes time and practice to be a high-achieving student just as it does to become a good athlete.