Topic

Strategies for Taking Tests

Objective Tests

Goals and Objectives

To make students aware of effective test taking strategies for all tests

To make students aware of effective strategies for specific types of tests

Resources

Textbook The Confident Student Chapter 11 pages 239-246

Some Internet Sources

Strategies for Taking Any Tests

Taking Tests - General Tips

Taking Problem-Solving Tests

Taking Objective Tests

The Multiple Choice Exam

Ideas and Activities

Many students are not aware that there are specific strategies to follow in taking tests. Previewing the test before they begin, answering easy questions first, making sure to follow directions, budgeting time as to the point value of the question may be some things that have never occurred to students. In addition, there are specific strategies for specific kinds of tests. This lesson assumes that we have already talked about preparing for test and addresses strategies for taking tests.

The test-taking routine discussed on page 239-241 is a good place to start

There are many internet sources that a good for general test taking tips--a couple of them are above.

The information and exercises on page 242-246 address strategies for true/false, multiple choice and fill in the blank, It is important that students have practice see the strategies in action.

This might also be a good place to talk about problem solving tests. (See above)

Possible Journal Entries

Look at several old tests and analyze why you made what you made?

Where did most of the questions come from? What will you do differently to prepare for the next test? What will you do the same?

Follow Up-Assignments

Have students bring in exams from other classes and analyze strategies that could have been used.

Have student write practice test illustrating the strategies learned. Click here for example of student generated tests.