{"id":1486,"date":"2020-08-26T21:06:12","date_gmt":"2020-08-26T21:06:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/resourcelibrary.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/?page_id=1486"},"modified":"2024-03-14T21:04:36","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T21:04:36","slug":"test-taking-strategies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/resourcelibrary.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/?page_id=1486","title":{"rendered":"Test Taking Strategies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"is-style-info\">To enhance their <strong>test-taking abilities<\/strong>, the following test-specific strategies can be recommended based on the client&#8217;s weaknesses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-58d3f2ca85076f3f46c380e2ddb7579b\" style=\"color:#9b0f0f\"><strong>Before a Test<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start preparing for the exam early. As soon as possible after each class, spend 15 to 20 minutes reviewing and editing your notes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Review the material step by step. Plan to study, work, and review for short periods of time. Give yourself small but challenging goals to accomplish.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Just before the test, concentrate on what you know, not what you do not know. \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Avoid talking to peers about how much you studied, what you didn&#8217;t cover, etc. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Listen to music through headphones so that you can&#8217;t hear what others are saying around you. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visualize your performance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encourage your client to arrive early.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encourage your client to choose a quiet part of the room to write the exam if given the choice. \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Additionally, encourage your client to consider where in the room they are best able to concentrate, whether that be at the back of the room, at the front, or on the perimeters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encourage your client to maintain a positive attitude when going into an exam.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-1cc20fafac4796d7cb1aea5d2280af9e\" style=\"color:#287aaa\"><strong>During a Test<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encourage your client to make a conscious effort to relax and think positively about writing the exam.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Before you start writing the test, write out formulas, notes, and any other important information on a blank page.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Direct your client to pay attention to (i.e., circle or highlight)&nbsp;keywords and phrases within the instructions and questions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Discuss and practice the concept of &#8220;budgeting time&#8221; within an exam or exercise. Discuss the advantages of checking over one&#8217;s answers prior to handing in an exam.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Survey the test before you start.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li> Note how many questions there are and how many pages there are. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How many points are assigned to each question or section? <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Which questions look easier? <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do some easier questions while the more difficult ones are simmering in your mind.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encourage your client to ignore the pace of others in the class.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If your client gets stuck, suggest they re-read the question and try to break it down into smaller units. Additionally, drawing a picture or diagram may be beneficial.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you think of something, write it down. One or two words are all you will need to remember.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Write something for every question.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some examiners give away answers in other parts of their tests.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encourage your client to reflect on questions already answered as they work through their test and read new information and questions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>SCORER<\/strong> can help a child remember what strategies to use during a test:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left is-style-info\"><strong>SCORER<\/strong><br>\u25a0 <strong>S<\/strong>&#8211; schedule your time.<br>\u25a0 <strong>C<\/strong>&#8211; clue words give you help.<br>\u25a0 <strong>O<\/strong>&#8211; omit the difficult questions.<br>\u25a0 <strong>R<\/strong>&#8211; read the directions carefully.<br>\u25a0 <strong>E<\/strong>&#8211; estimate your answers.<br>\u25a0 <strong>R<\/strong>&#8211; review your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-699a29b589424edbc8d9f12a651b5fe7\" style=\"color:#1d8961\"><strong>Multiple<\/strong> <strong>Choice Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>At the beginning of an exam, write key information, or make a table, chart, or diagram of important information memorized for the exam. Refer to this information as necessary throughout the exam.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Direct your client to read over all multiple-choice options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Suggest your client eliminates obviously wrong answers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Direct your client to anticipate the answers before looking at the choices. Do so by coving the answers to see if they can answer the question without them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Next, write your answer right after the question. Compare your answer to the multiple-choice options and decipher whether your option if the same as any of the options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Instruct your client to work through the questions in order. Identify the questions they unsure of by putting a question mark in the margin next to them. Recheck these prior to submitting the exam.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be attentive to questions with negative working such as &#8220;not&#8221; or &#8220;least&#8221;. Be alert of double or triple negatives and read these questions carefully to ensure that they are properly understood.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If stuck, encourage your client to read each stem with each possible answer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Avoid spending too long on one question. If unsure, mark your best guess and move on. Return to this question later if time permits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be cautious of changing an answer, usually, your first guess is more likely to be correct than are subsequent &#8220;guesses&#8221;. Be sure to have a sound reason for changing your answer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-ae32e5454ecb515e57efb9b92a0fc340\" style=\"color:#cc661d\"><strong>True or False Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Look to see if there is a given number or false statements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Watch for phrases that inserted into the true\/false questions that modify or limit them such as names, dates, places, or other details to make a statement inaccurate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be alert for multiple ideas or concepts within the same true or false statement. All parts of the statement must be true or the entire statement is false.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-c4c5ad9b0b0c159a0df6c71473300012\" style=\"color:#1176b0\"><strong>Essay Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prepare for the test. Re-read all class material that may be useful for answering the essay questions. Prepare answers for questions that will be on the exam or for questions that may be on the exam.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Read all questions prior to beginning the exam. Note how many points each question is worth and allocate time accordingly. Circle any important words to include in your answer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Jot down notes or thoughts that come to mind as you read through the questions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Construct a brief outline prior to beginning an essay. Make a graphic organizer\/mind map to follow and logically organize ideas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Include main ideas, supporting details, and key examples. Highlight important relationships and connections to class materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spellcheck your composition before handing in a test.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-a9e7e2950bd1627dbcd969861ae1f29e\" style=\"color:#cf4869\"><strong>Accommodations and Modifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When required, the following <strong>accommodations<\/strong> and <strong>modifications<\/strong> may be implemented:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consider allowing the client preferential seating in the classroom to maximize their concentration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Provide the client with the opportunity to clarify assignments through one-on-one consultation with teachers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Provide the client with a written outline of all major assignments that detail all necessary components.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Provide the client with additional help identifying the steps involved in larger projects and assignments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Discuss the options of being given extra time to complete exams, writing exams in a separate room, using a laptop computer to type responses to questions, completing an oral exam, providing the client with a scribe or voice dictation software, or an aid to read questions aloud to them during the exam.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When grading tests, consider not evaluating and incorporating the client&#8217;s spelling into their score.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Allow the client to have an extended due date on major assignments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For more information on accommodations and modifications <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/resourcelibrary.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/?page_id=335\">click here.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information and targeted interventions for test and performance anxiety see this handout: <a href=\"http:\/\/resourcelibrary.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/files\/2020\/09\/Test-and-Performance-Anxiety-Handout.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Test and Performance Anxiety Handout<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-summary\">\nTo enhance their test-taking abilities, the following test-specific strategies can be recommended based on the client&#8217;s weaknesses: Before a Test&hellip;\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/resourcelibrary.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/?page_id=1486\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &ldquo;Test Taking Strategies&rdquo;<\/span>&hellip;<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":8967,"featured_media":0,"parent":560,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1486","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/resourcelibrary.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1486","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/resourcelibrary.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/resourcelibrary.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resourcelibrary.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8967"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resourcelibrary.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1486"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/resourcelibrary.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1486\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3204,"href":"https:\/\/resourcelibrary.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1486\/revisions\/3204"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resourcelibrary.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/560"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/resourcelibrary.ucalgaryblogs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1486"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}