READING FOR A BETTER SCORE
Tests are one method of measuring what you have learned in a course. Doing well on tests and earning good grades begin with good study habits. If your goal is to become a successful student, take the time to develop good study habits.
This digest offers a plan to help you study for tests. It explains how to prepare for and take tests. Techniques for taking essay, multiple choice and other types of exams are reviewed. Although these techniques may help you improve your test scores, other factors, such as class participation, independent projects and term papers also contribute toward grades.
Before the test, Organization, planning and time management are skills essential to becoming a successful student; so start studying as soon as classes begin. Read assignments, listen during lectures and take good classroom notes. Then, reread the assignment, highlighting important information to study. Reviewing regularly allows you to avoid cramming and reduces test anxiety. The biggest benefit is it gives you time to absorb information.
Read difficult assignments twice. Sometimes a second reading will clarify concepts. If you are having difficulty with a subject, get help immediately. Meet with your teacher after class, use an alternate text to supplement required reading or hire a teacher
Plan ahead, scheduling review periods well in advance. Set aside one hour on a Saturday or Sunday to review several subjects. Keep your reviews short and do them often.
Daily reviews–Conduct short before and after class reviews of lecture notes. Begin reviewing after your first day of class.
Weekly reviews–Dedicate about 1 hour per subject to review assigned reading and lecture notes.
Major reviews–Start the week before an exam and study the most difficult subjects when you are the most alert. Study for 2 to 5 hours punctuated by sufficient breaks.
Another useful tool is a study checklist. Make a list of everything you need to know for the exam. The list should include a brief description of reading assignments, types of problems to solve, skills to master, major ideas, theories, definitions, and equations. When you begin your final study sessions, cross off items as you review them.
For some subjects, study groups are an effective tool. Study groups allow students to combine resources; members share an academic goal and provide support and encouragement. Such groups meet regularly to study and learn a specific subject. To form a study group, look for dedicated students who ask and answer questions in class, and who take notes. Suggest to two or three that you meet to talk about group goals, meeting times and other logistics. Effective study groups are limited to five or six people. Test the group first by planning a one-time-only session. If that works, plan another. After several successful sessions, schedule regular meetings.
On exam day arrive early and get organized. Pay attention to verbal directions as tests are distributed. Read directions slowly. Scan the entire test, noticing how many points each part is worth and estimate the time needed for individual questions. Before you start answering questions, write down memory aids, formulas, equations, facts and other useful information in the margins.
Check the directions to see if the questions call for more than one answer. Answer each question in your head before you look at the possible answers. If you can come up with the answer before you look at the choices you eliminate the possibility of being confused by them. Mark questions you can’t answer immediately and come back to them later. When taking a multiple-choice exam guess only if you are not penalized for incorrect answers. Use the following guidelines to make educated guesses.
With all that stated and many other skills that may seem good will help you make good grade …… avoid cheating as last……………… wish you the best in your examinations
BY….. GALYANGA GEOFREY
PATRON TEACHER HILL SIDE SECONDARY SCHOOL
