1. Teach Students to Use Positive Self Talk. If students think that a subject or class is too challenging and expect to fail, they probably will fail. Tell them that it’s easy as long as they “practice” their learning.

2. When Teaching, Break information into small steps. This makes the information look easier and less overwhelming.

3. Ensure That Students Understand Test Vocabulary. Some words include: enumerate, compare, contrast, discuss, illustrate, define, etc. If students are comfortable with these words and able to apply their understanding on a test, their test scores will be higher.

4. Teach Students Test Taking Tips. Such as:

a. Underline key words (list, discuss, define, etc.).

b. Put a checkmark next to blank questions.

5. Teach Students Time Management Strategies such as:

a. Take the time allotted for the test and divide it by the number of questions.

b. Answer multiple choice before essays and budget more time for the essay questions.

c. Eliminate the obviously incorrect answers. Make an educated guess. Do NOT make random guesses.

6. Watch Out for Dangerous Words! The Words: Most, some, usually, often, generally, may, and seldom are USUALLY the correct option.

7. The “Superlative” Words: Every, all, none, always, and only are USUALLY the incorrect option.

8. Another trick, if students are stuck, is to pick the answer containing the most information.

9. If a question ends with “an,” the answer should begin with a vowel, especially on English tests. So, if the question is, “Snow White bit into an…” the answer is not going to be b. banana, it will be a. apple.

10. An answer that repeats words that are in the question is more likely to be correct. For example, if the question is, “Every year, the Red Cross collects blood at their annual…,” the answer is probably “blood drive.”

11. Have students design a practice test for review then time themselves when taking it. Have them self-correct and then re-take the test trying to improve their score and their test time.

12. Remind students to review right before they sleep at night.

The above strategies were excerpted with permission from the book, “Umm Studying… What’s That?” by Susan and Shivahn Fitzell. It’s a book about memorization and test strategies for teens co-written by a teen.

For more information about study strategies for your student, see Susan Fitzell’s book, Ummm, Studying? What’s That?. Available in both print and electronic versions!

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I can pass the test

When we store information in long-term memory, it’s filed away by rules, procedures, pairs, and categories. There are two ways to access that information: recall and recognition.

Recall is being able to remember information on demand.

That’s what we ask kids to do on tests: read it and recall it.

Recognition is the process of retrieving pieces of related information and putting them together to complete an idea.

When we recognize that something has happened before – that we’ve learned something before – and we can put those pieces of information together, recognition occurs.

Unfortunately, even the best students can have trouble with recall and recognition when tested on material they have learned.  Nerves can wreak havoc on even the most prepared students.

There are strategies, however, that teachers and students can use to help assist and promote recall and recognition.

For example, research shows that for kids to do better on tests, it’s best to practice taking tests in the same environment, and under the same conditions, as the real test.

When we condition our students to the testing environment, they experience less anxiety during the actual testing process. Providing a positive environment and promoting positive self-talk with fun practice tests makes the process less stressful for them when it counts.

Strategies to Support Student Success on Tests

The Power of Positive Thinking

How many times have people told us, or have we told others, “Think positively!”  Turns out, that simple piece of advice may be some of the best you’ll ever give or receive.

In fact, positive self-talk encourages the brain to release helpful chemicals, dopamine and adrenaline, in the right amounts to the frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for problem solving, judgment, and memory.

Teach Students to Use Positive Self Talk.

If students think that a subject or class is too challenging and expect to fail, they probably will fail. Tell them that it’s easy as long as they “practice” their learning.

Water Your Brain!

We are “electrical” beings and our brain’s neurons work by electrical connections. Water has been found to be the best thing we can use to facilitate the thinking process because of its capacity to conduct electricity and assist cell function. So, a simple drink of water before a test or before going to class can have a profound effect on a student’s brain’s readiness to work.

Ensure That Students Understand Test Vocabulary.

Some words include: enumerate, compare, contrast, discuss, illustrate, define, etc. If students are comfortable with these words and able to apply their understanding on a test, their test scores will be higher.

Teach Students Test Taking Tips. Such as:

a. Underline key words (list, discuss, define, etc.).

b. Put a check-mark next to blank questions.

Provide SHORT and FREQUENT Practice Tests in a Stress Free Environment

Have students design a practice test for review then time themselves when taking it. Have them self-correct and then re-take the test trying to improve their score and their test time.

More Strategies to Assist Recall and Recognition

• Allow more time on tests
• Organize information when filing in memory
• If info comes in words: Make pictures
• If info comes in pictures: Talk about it

How to Handle Reading Passages on Tests:

• Find the main idea: Each passage has a main idea. Read for the main idea and skim the details.
• Read quickly, answer slowly: Most students do the opposite: read slowly and answer quickly. Read for the main idea and you’ll read quickly.
• Mark as you read: After reading each paragraph, make a brief note of two or three words in the margin. Indicate what went on in the paragraph. Circle important details.

How to Handle Math Questions on Tests:

• Look for shortcuts: For example, you know that an odd number multiplied by an odd number gives an odd number for an answer. If only one of the choices is an odd number, it has to be correct.
• Work in consistent units:
  • If one side of a rectangle is given in inches and another in feet, convert them both to feet or inches before you multiply or add.
  • Don’t do all the computations in your head.

A full day seminar with Susan Fitzell on video!

This training program is full of memorization and test taking strategies, with a concentration on RTI & DI, that is  perfect for Professional Learning Communities, Long-term embedded professional development, full or half day in-service as well as individualized learning  check out Memorization and Test Taking Strategies: Training DVD Set

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