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Testwiseness

Learn valuable strategies to eliminate errors and improve test scores. Develop positive attitudes, manage anxiety, practice efficiently, master time management, problem-solving tactics, and physical readiness. Discover the impact of other factors on test performance.

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Testwiseness

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  1. Testwiseness Improving Test Taking Skills

  2. Definition: The ability to eliminate errors on a measurement (due to attitudinal, procedural or other extraneous factors). These factors are independent of the student’s knowledge of the subject matter being tested.

  3. Some Statistics... “…The average testwiseness training adds about 2.5 months to the grade equivalent score of the average child.” “…If an average student performs at the 50th percentile on a test, that same student would probably score at over the 60th percentile if exposed to testwiseness training.”

  4. More Statistics... • A positive teacher attitude can increase test scores by 3 percentiles. • Just three minutes a day of teaching testwiseness will make a difference.

  5. Finally… • The alignment of curriculum, instruction and assessment to standards 75-80% of the time will result in improvement in test scores.

  6. Testwiseness for Students • Negative vs. Positive Self-Talk • Anxiety Control • Sample Test Practice Sessions • Time Management • Problem-Solving Tactics • Physical Readiness • Other Factors

  7. Negative vs. Positive Talk • “I won’t finish.” • “Just take one question at a time.”

  8. Negative vs. Positive Talk • “I’m so nervous, I know I’ll forget everything.” • “Some tension is natural, but I don’t have to worry about it.”

  9. Negative vs. Positive Talk • “I never do well on tests.” • “I know that Hal will do better than I will.” • “Don’t anticipate problems, just get going.”

  10. Strategies for Positive Attitude • Students think of and list all negative feelings -- discuss • Pep assemblies for Stanford 9 and AIMS tests • Attitude posters displayed • Celebrate testing days • Everyone wears school shirts • Treats after testing complete

  11. Anxiety Control • Understanding causes • Positive thinking • Talking it out • Deep breathing • Scheduled stretch breaks -- cross laterals • Play music prior to test, not during testing • Breaks • Affirmations

  12. Practice Makes Perfect • Use of publisher’s practice test • Practice AIMS tests are on the web http://www.ade.state.az.us • Test practice sessions will acquaint students: • How directions will be presented • How the test is timed • How answers should be recorded • With the style and format of the test

  13. Practice Makes Perfect But... • Prior to test, do not over practice. It will result in student burn-out, not to mention teacher burn-out.

  14. Time Management • Time Awareness • Time Estimation • Timed Practice • Skipping • Skimming • Rechecking

  15. Strategies for Teaching Time Management • Give students timed activities regularly • Have students close their eyes and put their head down for a certain length of time • Teach time management all year long -- not just before tests

  16. Problem-Solving Tactics • Making an educated guess • Estimating the answer • Working a problem backwards • Working the problem twice • Looking for tricks

  17. Physical Readiness • Get plenty of rest the night before • Have a good breakfast • Wear comfortable clothes • Have several sharpened pencils • Stay calm • Eat a nutritious snack during break • Drink cold, fresh water

  18. Other Factors • Natural lighting or lamps • Fresh circulating air • Subtle aroma -- natural smells, vanilla best • Preferred time of testing • After 10:00 a.m. for high school • Teacher moves around the room giving shoulder squeezes, back pats, positive comments • Peppermint candy available • Smell is refreshing and invigorating

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