What are some test taking strategies?

Question

I really think that I know my stuff but when I get to take the test I only get B+'s, however, I do really well on essays and projects. Does anyone have any strategies that would help me get better grades?

Answer 1

Sorry to say, but the guy before me was wrong. Most teachers will only give you the information that he gave to the rest of the class.

Some test taking strategies are below. Studying will pay off, don't worry. I got some of these from a teacher's site.

Students with better study methods and strategies score higher on their exams.

Everyone is different, different methods work for different people the following are only suggestions on improving upon your current studying techniques.

It is best to review the material right after class when it's still fresh in your memory.

Don't try to do all your studying the night before the test, instead space out your studying, review class materials at least several times a week, focusing on one topic at a time.

Have all of your study material in front of you: lecture notes, course textbooks, study guides and any other relevant material.

Find a comfortable and quiet place to study with good lighting and little distractions (try avoiding your own bed; it is very tempting to just lie down and take a nap).

Start out by studying the most important information.

Learn the general concepts first; don't worry about learning the details until you have learned the main ideas.

Take notes and write down a summary of the important ideas as you read through your study material.

Take short breaks frequently, you memory retains the information that you study at the beginning and the end better than what you study in the middle.

Space out your studying, you'll learn more by studying a little every day instead of waiting to cram at the last minute. By studying everyday, the material will stay in your long-term memory but if you try to study at the last moment, the material will only reside in your short-term memory that you'll easily forget.

Make sure that you understand the material well, don't just read through the material and try to memorize everything.

If you choose to study in a group, only study with others who are serious about the test.

Test yourself or have someone test you on the material to find out what your weak and strong areas are. You can use the review questions at the end of each chapter or practice tests the teacher may give out as well as other materials.

Listening to relaxing music such as classical or jazz on a low volume can relieve some of the boredom of studying.

Don't study later than the time you usually go to sleep, you may fall asleep or be tempted to go to sleep, instead try studying in the afternoon or early evening. If you are a morning person try studying in the morning.

Preparation for your first test should begin after the first day of class; this includes studying, completing homework assignments and reviewing study materials on a regular basis.

Budget your time, make sure you have sufficient time to study so that you are well prepared for the test.

Go to review, pay attention to hints that the instructor may give about the test. Take careful notes and ask questions about items you may be confused about.

Ask the instructor to specify the areas that will be emphasized on the test.

Make sure you go to the class right before the test; it's another prime time for the instructor to give out more hints or the format of the test.

Go over any material from practice tests, HW's, sample problems, review material, the textbook, class notes...

Eat before a test, having food in your stomach will give you energy and help you focus, but avoid heavy foods which can make you groggy.

Don't try to pull an all nighter, get at least 3 hours of sleep before the test.

Put the main ideas/information/formulas onto a sheet that can be quickly reviewed many times, this makes it easier to retain the key concepts that will be on the test.

Try to show up at least 5 minutes before the test will start.

Set your alarm and have a backup alarm set as well.

I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK!?!?!
If you follow these tips, you will for SURE get an A!

Answer 2

Form a study group with other students in your class to discuss and quiz each other on important material. This will add other perspectives and help to "complete" your study if you tend to be either a "detailed" or "big-picture" learner. Maintain healthy living habits. Get a good night's sleep before the test. First, read the directions carefully!! Many points have been lost because students didn't follow the directions. Remember to preview the test to see how much time you need to allot for each section. If the test is all multiple choice questions, it is good to know that immediately. Work on the "easiest" parts first. If your strength is essay questions, answer those first to get the maximum points. Pace yourself to allow time for the more difficult parts. Find out if you are penalized for incorrect responses. (This is probably covered in the directions. If not, make educated guesses. If there is a penalty, avoid guessing. When answering essay questions, try to make an outline in the margin before you begin writing. Organization, clear thinking, and good writing is important, but so is neatness. Be sure to make your writing legible. Save time at the end of the exam to review your test and make sure you haven't left out any answers or parts of answers. This is difficult to do under the stress of exams, but it often keeps you from making needless errors

Answer 3

One of the BEST ways to improve on an upcoming test, at least for me is to try and schedule an appointment with your professor around 3 to 4 days prior to help go over concepts that may appear on the exam. I find that whenever I try this, they'll appreciate the extra effort and will help you A LOT (i.e. telling you what to study and what not to study, basically revealing everything on the test).

P.S.
Studying like a maniac won't hurt either!

Answer 4

the best thing in taking test is what you intake in your systems before a test. Eat only foods high in nurtions no coffee no extra sugars or carbonated beberages these foods make you feel good butl slows the mind. fruts are best and wheat and rye breads with a few soybean sprouts and bottled water