J. Roth/Study Skills 99

Test-Taking Advice

Three areas need attention to improve test-taking success. They are

PREPARATION

Get the answers to the two great study skills questions

Overlearn (I mean it! OVERlearn). If you think you need to practice something five times, do it at least ten times.

ATTITUDE

Many of us fail a test well before we take it by telling ourselves things that just aren’t true. We “awfulize” the test-taking experience and predict the outcome well before we walk into the classroom and take it.

Days before the upcoming test we begin thinking things like “I never do well at tests.” “I’m going to fail.” “I always freeze on tests.” “I am a terrible student; therefore I will fail.” I am stupid, so I won’t do well.” “I can’t do this.”

In many ways we create our own future through our images of what may happen. If you have already failed a test in your mind days before you take it, you are not likely to do well.

Wait and see. “I won’t know how I did until I turn it in; instead, I will spend my emotional energy preparing and studying.”

Do not exaggerate the importance of any single test or quiz. Know the value of the particular test and how it will affect your overall grade before you take it.

Attitude refers to your emotional response to an upcoming test.

Wait and See

Do not confuse your grade with your self-worth

That was then—this is now.

I have prepared properly and well.

I have specific steps to follow to take this test. I have a plan.

Reduce stress—do not reach the point when your body activates its stress response.

Deep breaths

TECHNIQUE

Specific Advice

Multiple Choice Questions, OCL pp. 267-269 Numbers 1-6

True False Questions, OCL pp. 269-271 (NumNumbers 5 and 6 particularly)

Matching Questions, OCL pp. 271-272