Test Taking
Test Taking. Created by : Curtis Mckague Learning Skills Advisor Conestoga College. Testing. Test Preparation Test Taking. Quality Test Preparation. Go to class Listen actively while in class Take good notes in class Read textbook actively Create good textbook notes
Test Taking
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Presentation Transcript
Test Taking Created by : Curtis Mckague Learning Skills Advisor Conestoga College
Testing • Test Preparation • Test Taking
Quality Test Preparation • Go to class • Listen actively while in class • Take good notes in class • Read textbook actively • Create good textbook notes • Combine your class and text notes into: • Condensed notes (e.g. cue cards) • In your own words • Pictures and graphs • Study = practice test
Test Preparation • Don’t cram! • Rule of thumb: • ½ to 1 hr of studying for every 1% of test • e.g. 30% test = 15-30 hrs of study • Best memory? • Frequent but short study sessions
Quick Quiz • There were 4 MC questions. How much was each MC question worth? • There were 2 short answer questions. • Did you have to answer both questions? • How much was each short answer question worth? • Stat: • Only 20 % will read and follow test directions!
Multiple Choice Questions 1. Biology is: • A type of rock • Is where animals are kept • Is the study of science • Is the study of life • None of the above • All of the above
Multiple Choice Questions 1. Biology is: • A type of science • Study animals, plants, cells
Multiple Choice Questions 1. Biology is: • A type of rock • Is where animals are kept • Is the study of science • Is the study of life • None of the above • All of the above
Multiple Choice Questions 1. Biology is: • A type of rock • Is where animals are kept • Is the study of science • Is the study of life • None of the above • All of the above Stuck? A) Don’t guess! B) Put a symbol C) Move on
Conestoga’s mascot is a: • Black-colored bird on the website
Multiple Choice Questions • Conestoga’s mascot is a: • Badger • Bear • Condor • Cougar • None of the above
Multiple Choice Questions • Which of the following is not a useful study tip when preparing for tests:
Multiple Choice Questions • Which of the following is not a useful study tip when preparing for tests: • Taking breaks during your study sessions • Planning your reading and studying schedule well ahead of the test date • Waiting until the last minute to cram so that you don’t forget anything you studied from a long time ago • Practicing frequently over time for short durations DO DO NOT DO
Multiple Choice Questions • Youmay have one of the following learning styles: • Which one do I have? • But it says styles with an ‘s’? • Hmmm…the question says may? • What does this question ask? • Think like the instructor!
Multiple Choice Questions • You may have one of the following learning styles: • Auditory • Visual • Kinesthetic • All of the above • None of the above
Multiple Choice Questions 1. Biology is: • A type of rock • Is where animals are kept • Is the study of science • Is the study of life • None of the above • All of the above Brainstorm: Science Bio Chem Physics
Strategies for Multiple Choice Cover the answer choices Read Q carefully Highlight important words (watch for qualifiers: may, some, none, all) Rephrase Q in your own words Predict possible answers Check format of answers Look at EACH option in order slowly Eliminate incorrect answers ID correct answer If can’t answer, put a symbol and come back later Don’t leave any answer blank!
Short and Long Answer • Tests: comprehension and application • Explain why and how your argument supports your answer • Include the right number (look at how much Q is worth) of specific details (examples and terminology) to support your answer • Answer all parts of the question (watch for ‘and’)
Short Answer Question • Compare and contrast multiple choice and short-answer test questions from the instructor’s perspective. (4 marks)
Short Answer Question • Compare and contrast multiple choice and short-answer test questions from the instructor’s perspective. (4 marks) • Compare = similarities • Contrast = differences • Instructors perspective = why would an instructor choose to use MC questions on a test? Why use short-answer questions?
Short Answer Question • Compare and contrast multiple choice and short-answer test questions from the instructor’s perspective. (4 marks)
General Test-Taking Strategies • Put your name on the test • Read and follow directions! • Preview your test • # pages, # Qs, Q types • Allot time by weight of questions • Read each Q carefully • Watch for qualifiers (always, not, none, some) • Underline key words; define • Rephrase Q in your own words
General Test-Taking Strategies Short-answer Questions • Explain why and how your argument supports your answer • Give enough details • Give specific details • Answer all parts of the question (watch for ‘and’) • Maybe use a checklist
Test Anxiety • Prepare • Answer questions that you know • Breathing and relaxation exercises • Fantastic help through counselling services
Be Physically Ready • Get enough sleep • Eat well • Protein: eggs, bacon, peanut butter, cheese, yogurt, tofu • Be on TIME!
Extra Help Curtis McKague Michele Brannon-Hamilton Learning Skills Advisors
