Monday, March 31, 2014

Chapter 9, Test Taking, March 31-April 6



Chapter 9, Test Taking

Please read the chapter on test taking and make comments on two of these questions:

1. Students often say, “I am not a good test taker.” What ideas in this chapter would be helpful to this student?

2. Look at this YouTube video, “Test Stress Reduction the Navy Seals Way.”  This 3 minute video shows some ways to be successful “when the world is on fire.”  Share your comments on the video.  Can the Navy Seals techniques be used in college and in life in general? (Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S9YsqERT34).  

3. What are some suggestions for dealing with text anxiety?

3. How do you study for a math test?

4. What is the ideal way to review for a test?

5. What are some disadvantages of cramming for a test and how can you avoid cramming?

6. What is your best idea for studying for exams?

7. Comment on another student's post. 


39 comments:

  1. 3. The best way to deal with test anxiety is to be prepared for the exam. If you wait until the last minute to study for your exam you are bound to fail. When you're prepared going into the exam it boosts your confidence level so much that you are actually looking forward to taking the exam, because you'll know you will receive a good grade. Eating a nice and healthy meal before your exam and getting a good nights rest will help also. Doing some light exercising before the exam will help clear your head of bad and negative thoughts and actually really helps.

    ReplyDelete
  2. 3- First thing to deal with the text anxiety is to set my alarm and have someone call
    to make sure that I'm awake on time. Second, arrive a little early for my exam to spend a few minutes doing a review so that I'll be ready. Third, eat a light breakfast such as eggs, toast, and juice or cereal with milk and fruit and avoid eating sugar and caffeine. . Also, to get a proper materials such as pencil, paper and calculator. Be optimistic and think positively about the exam. Manage my time for the exam and save some time to look over the test and make corrections. Finally, don't stuck on a difficult questions , keep our paper neat and read the test direction carefully.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think one of the best ways to avoid test anxiety is to be prepared. This includes knowing the material on the test. Ive been in class before and had people show up without scantron and a pencil as well. This disturbs other classmates. Not showing up prepared is almost as bad as not taking the exam because your mind is not focused. I agree with having a good meal also but you have to make sure the cereal you eat is good and not sugary.

      Delete
  3. First step for studying math test to start early so that I will have time to go over each topic in the book and practice doing problems from each section. Second step, to check my work and do the easiest problems first , so I can gain confidence and relax. After that, focus on the problems that are worth the most points. Also, don't be distracted by problems which I do not know and make sure that I understand the problem and make a plan for solving it. The most important thing that , check my calculator work over again at the end of the test., and be careful to forget a plus or minus sign or adding or subtracting incorrectly which can have a big impact on my grade. Finally, save at least five minutes to review my test.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. 4. What is the ideal way to review for a test?
    I normally approach studying or reviewing for a test basically the same way with some exceptions depending on the subject. Remember to always create a plan before you start studying. I create a deadline for my studying. I make sure I set the right amount of time for studying and create a schedule. I gather my notes, outline, and syllabus then create flash cards. I break the material into manageable chunks. Remember to make it fun! You want to be as calm and relaxed as possible and reviewing right before the test will help. On the day of the exam, I look at my notes before the exam so that the information is still fresh in my head.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Creating a deadline for studying is a great idea. Making sure there is an outline to prepare yourself if a great way to know the material for the exam. You don't want to be too overwhelmed with all of the material you need to know, so it's good to start early so you don't fail. Making flashcards is really the only way I can look at the material over and over again without forgetting it.

      Delete
    2. I like your idea of completing a plan for studying. It leads to good preparation and less test anxiety. Good job!

      Delete
  6. 1. Students often say, “I am not a good test taker.” What ideas in this chapter would be helpful to this student?

    In my opinion the best and most significant factor is to attend the classes and complete all the assignments. Attending classes helps you to be involved in learning and to know what to expect on tests. Try to develop a study schedule by identifying times that can be used for studying each day. Get in the habit of using these available times for studying each week. College normally require about two hours of study time for each hour spent in the classroom. Don’t forget to choose the tools according to your learning style and what works for you. Finally try to minimize your test anxiety by being well prepared and by applying the memory strategies described in earlier chapters. I would also suggest to prepare for your exams by attending every class, keeping up with your reading assignments, and reviewing during the semester. These steps will help increase your self-confidence and reduce anxiety.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Reviewing for a math test can be very difficult and stressful but if you understand the big picture it can be easier. An important step for being successful is attending class everyday. Math is such a step by step process that one can't miss class than jump back into it and know whats going on. I find that study groups are helpful because if you get stuck, most likely someone else can help. Also it is important to practice problems so you dont forget how to do it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ways to decrease you test anxiety are being prepared for the test. If you know what to expect and understand it you should not be stressed. But some people just fear test no matter what so having a positive attitude is key. Going over the main points before the test would help secure that you know everything that might be on the test. Also working out before, or the day before can eliminate stress.

    ReplyDelete
  9. My best idea for studying for an exam is to start early and to take good notes. I have tried cramming and find that I cannot remember a single thing I read. When you start studying early it allows you to retain material in your long term memory. Starting early also allows you to get help ahead of time so you have a chance to learn information you had been confused about. You want to give yourself the best chance possible to succeed and going to class and taking good notes gives you a head start.

    ReplyDelete
  10. What are some suggestions for dealing with text anxiety?
    The best suggestion is to be prepared. If you study the material in depth and feel that you know it very well then you can have the confidence to defeat your anxiety. Getting a good night’s sleep and exercising before the exam can keep you feeling calm and alert. Taking a few deep breaths before getting started on any test will help you to relax. Going through the test and completing every question that you know and skipping the difficult ones will give you confidence and make you feel like you understand the material. Thinking positive thoughts and quieting the negative ones will keep you in a good mood and reduce the anxiety as well.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What is the ideal way to review for a test?
    The most important part of reviewing for a test is to start early. Cramming just before test day can work, but spreading out the review over the course of a week or two allows for easier memorization with less overall work. Creating a schedule describing when, where and what to study will keep students on task and allow them to take advantage of distributed practice. Flash cards are a common review tool. They are great for memorizing small bits of information like definitions or facts. They are also very portable which allows for short and frequent reviews, which is the best method to use of storing information in the long term memory.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Suggestions for dealing with test anxiety is acknowledging your test anxiety and taking a few deep breaths. Being well rested and doing physical exercise is also a good way to reduce test anxiety. My best idea for studying for exams is to have a positive mentality about the exam and to study periodically before the exam. This will help your memorization and make you more confident. Reviewing key points and going over study guides is very helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  13. What are some suggestions for dealing with test anxiety?

    I found this chapter very useful, it had some great ideas. First of all and I think most important is to NOT procrastinate. The idea that waiting until the last few days before an exam is okay, is a straight path to anxiety. It also makes the whole experience of school less pleasant. Instead have a postitive attitude tell yourself you will succeed. Study as the chapter suggested in small parts. Be well prepared both mentally and physically .If it means less visits to Starbucks so be it. Many of us love our cooffee but too much of it to "keep us up to study" in reality is not good. I especially like reading the seven day study guide. I am definitley going to try it!!

    How should you review for a test?

    Again I liked the seven day plan suggested in the chapter. Breaking things down is simply so much easier then the cramming. Flash cards and reviewing notes is also very helpful for me. It allows me to be able to study whenever wherever,even if its ten minutes through out the day. If I do this five times a day, thats an hour of studying with out getting stressed out. I think again also the physical well being of someone is also very important. Sleep is so important yet so many of us lack enough of it. Eating well is also important to do.If your tires hungry and anxious....its pretty hard to do your best. Last but not least is good attendance if your not in class your missing out!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is a good outline of the best strategies for test preparation. Good job, Dora!

      Delete
  14. Students often say, “I am not a good test taker.” What ideas in this chapter would be helpful to this student?

    Ideas that are helpful to become a better test taker are first, to change that way of thinking. Only positive thoughts froim here on out.Next is to evaluate your current study techniques and then critique them to better fit your learning style. Lots of review, and being well prepared helps with much of the anxiety. I would also add to get good exercise and lots of rest!

    ReplyDelete
  15. 5. What are some disadvantages of cramming for a test and how can you avoid cramming?

    There are many dis-advantages when it comes to cramming, the main one being is that it's a waste of time. You spend the same amount of hours worrying and cramming that you would if you were to properly prepare from day one. You cannot retain the information your cramming, and then on the test it gets mixed up any way. I used to be terrible at this, so I've gotten a lot better at learning how to prepare.I make sure when I get the syllabus to mark all of the important dates in my calendars and start organizing and reviewing for any upcoming assignments or reports. I use tons of flash cards which I actually feel bad about, I can't imagine how many trees I'm killing, and I also review as often as possible so far this semester I still have A's, something must be working!

    ReplyDelete
  16. 3. The best way to deal with test anxiety is to get help and study so your prepared. When you know the answers you feel more confident about your chances to pass the test. Another way to do with test anxiety is doing physical exercise like a sport you enjoy playing. Its important to have fun and relax a little so your mind is not all about the test. Its also important to get sleep so you feel reenergized. When your taking the test, it is helpful to do the easy questions first so you feel better about the test.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah I agree, staying physically active is important, it is a good way to relieve stress. Getting a good night sleep would be just as important because getting good sleep can affect how well your brain works the next day. Eating healthy foods is also important. For the most part the individual needs to trust themselves. They need to sincerely believe that they can do well on the exam. That kind of positive attitude will help them get through their test and in the end they will have done the best job that they could have done.

      Delete
  17. 4. When reviewing for a test, the most important thing to do is attending every class. You should prepare early and do a little at a time because its hard to study all in one day. Its important to schedule a time and a place to study. Its helpful to schedule a time because then you know what times to study and when. You should find a study group to motivate yourself and to learn from other people. Flash cards are a good way to learn because its funner and it challenges yourself to learn from the tests.

    ReplyDelete
  18. One way to deal with test anxiety would be to be as well prepared as possible. I could see the reason why someone would be anxious about taking a test if they did not even study for it. Putting the time and effort in and studying is probably the best way to tackle anxiety. Other than that, taking breaks in between studying and getting some exercise is probably some ones next best tool when dealing with stress. Being physically active can relieve anxiety and taking your mind off what is currently going on in your life. This is important because you get to take a break and rest your mind.

    ReplyDelete
  19. 4. What is the ideal way to review for a test?

    In order to review for a test, you should first start off by being organized. From there, you should review in sections. Personally, I like to review every night for a week right before I go to bed. Then I review the previous night’s material with the new material. This continues until I have everything reviewed on the last night. It is good to review material before you sleep because you will memorize it better. The last important thing is to sleep well and have a good breakfast in the morning.

    ReplyDelete
  20. 5. What are some disadvantages of cramming for a test and how can you avoid cramming?

    Cramming is very difficult because odds are you will only memorize a few things. It can be really bad if you will mix up a lot of things. I have done this before and failed a major section of the test because I mixed up two simple concepts. You can easily avoid cramming by staying organized and sticking to a plan. If you mess up and skip a day then make sure to account for it on the next day. Overall cramming does nothing but stress you out. Odds are unless you’re a genius, you will do badly on the test.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Saralina Carman
    Be well prepared, attend all classes, keep up with reading assignments, and review during your semester this will increase self-confidence and reduce anxiety.
    Tips to minimize anxiety:
    Exercise regularly, Sleep so when you attend classes or presenting a test you are not tired or fatigued.
    Take deep breaths to calm yourself, acknowledge your anxiety. Sometimes anxiety is good because it makes you want to learn more and be well prepared for test dedicate the time to study dividing the work load so you have enough time to cover all aspects in your test, review and recite learned materials.
    Be positive and vision yourself succeeding in your test.

    ReplyDelete
  22. 3- For Math test I usually do all of the book homework, and make sure that I know how to solve them. Also I do the practice test, because it's very important to practice it, because it will be very similar to what I will be tested. I would do the online assignments, it will have more ideas about how to solve the problems rather than the book.

    ReplyDelete
  23. 4- I think there are many things to do to make a good review about the test. First, I would read my note that I took in class, because it will remind me about the stuff that I don't know it and will keep it in my mind to remember it during the test. Also I will read the lecture and make sure that I do not miss any thing of it.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Some of the different ways that someone you could be successful after reading this chapter would be remember to start early. Plans ahead and have a calendar of all the assignments. Use flash cards and study a few things a week so that you're not cramming the night before. A great and helpful thing would do is get a study group together so you can share and get new information. Stay confident and believe in yourself. Knowing you can do it is the first step it will also help with anxiety.

    ReplyDelete
  25. What is the ideal way to review for a test?
    The ideal way to study for a test would be start early, make sure you attend class so you can take good notes. Missing class or leaving early is a bad idea, you never know if what you missed for the day is going to be on the test. Review your notes often and closer to the test make sure you study a little everyday.The night before the test make sure you get to bed on time so that you can be well rested and make sure you set your alarm. Also make sure you have enough time to get ready for school, you have had a well balanced meal and you review once again. Be and stay confident in your ability to do well and pass the test.

    ReplyDelete
  26. 6. What is your best idea for studying for exams?

    A good way to prepare for an exam is to remember the deadline and how much time in between it takes to prepare. if you have enough time you should be able to separate the time for studying as compared to the time to relieve some stress. In the time it take to prepare, you should be able to relax and carefully review each and every graded test that was provided and scored. Your most likely going to see the same question on the exam, and that's what usually throws students, the ones you don't look out for. As for relieving stress, i mean go out, jump out of that world and do something that will take your mind your exam. its coming up and you don't need the jitters/butterflies when you get closer and closer to the dead line. Having fun is good and everything but that should be taking care of it either a week prior or before you dedicate your time and efforts toy you work.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Saying I'm not a good test taker is just starting off negative to begin with, I tend to say that allot and normally that isn't the case. Thinking positively goes a long way especially when taking tests. I've tried to stop saying that and tried to change it to, "I hope I do well." Even that small change has been a big help dealing with test anxiety and I find that generally I don't give my self enough credit. Also someone who knows they don't test well tends to prepare very well for tests. positive self talk can be important to someone who doesn't do well with tests even saying "I'll do fine" can help.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Test Anxiety is problem is something I've dealt with my entire life. To the point where it can be quite crippling, I've had near panic attacks before a test. One thing that I read in the book that helps me now is talking my self down. saying things like I'll do fine, and visualizing a better outcome. I find that getting a good nights rest is another thing that helps me deal with tests, being well rested has been the difference between Panic and simple tension. Being prepared is probably the most important part, I've found it's a huge change I know that I stress about tests to I save my self the stress and make time to study, even making sure I have all the materials I need helps allot.

    ReplyDelete
  29. What is your best idea for studying for exams?
    my best idea for taking exams is to first of all set reminders on when the test is actually going to happen. preparation is the most important thing before an exam. what i like to do is actually have fun first before actually studying because of test anxiety. i believe if you are stress free then studying and catching up with you assignments will probably benefit your state of mind before taking the exam. arranging all you notes along with any pieces of information related to the exam should be the next part of getting ready. studying by yourself or with a tutor is also another way to get mentally prepared. as for taking the test i would say just relax and take deep breathes, if you panic you just might lose focus on what you tried to memorize.

    ReplyDelete
  30. How do you study for a math test?
    there are more than thousands of ways to review for math test in my opinion because math can be very hard and very easy for the people who likes math they can review before one day or two day of the test and they can get the study guide to solve the problems that are in the guidelines. For me personally I don't like math and I don't like to sit in a math class for long time as you guys know math classes can be very long as 3 hours lecturing and that is the worst part for me because I am the kind of mover person and I don't favor sitting for long hours especially in math class for some reasons. One reason is I don't understand all the problems that is explained in the class without going alone and review it. Second is I get confused in my mind and I mixed up between equations so I don't know which is which after I go home and review it. Based on my own experience when I prepare for a math test I get the study guide and I go sit in the math center before a week of the test and I get help from torturing If fail to solve the problem that way worked with me through my classes and I get good grades in my all math classes.

    4. What is the ideal way to review for a test?
    The ideal way to review for a test is to get help from torturing if the problems cant be solved, participate in the class for better understanding, and ask the teacher for help if there is some additional ways to solve certain problems. Sometimes group study works for reviewing the test because if one of the group members know how to solve one problem the other will solve another one, so it can be very easy for everyone to get to the top of the class by putting some effort to succeed.

    ReplyDelete
  31. First, in relation to math, among many important tips is to be positive while taking the course. Being positive will help you choose the right decisions and do what could help you the best. Make sure to get help early. Create study groups or get a tutor to help if you need it. Remember to ask questions when you need it. While these in mind, certanly don't forgot to not miss any classes if possible. If it does happens, make up for it and study extra for a missed day.

    The book suggests alot of good advice that can help you with your test anxieties. A simple one which is easy to manage is some physical exercise such as walking around campus while arriving early to school before class. Briskly take your time and don't stress or think much about it. Make sure to get a good night's sleep and take deep breaths when the stress is getting to you. Acknowledge your anxiety and tell yourself to stop in your head if you have to. Think about positive things and imagine your success rather than failure.

    ReplyDelete
  32. 3. I think one of the best ways to deal with test anxiety is to make sure that when you are studying for the test you take short breaks to allow your mind to relax and process the information, the more you focus on the test the more stressed out you are going to get so at some point you have to accept that you have studied as well as you could (assuming you did study) and that you will do okay on the test.
    5. Some of the disadvantages of cramming are you are trying to learn too much information in a short period of time, when you do this you end up forgetting a good portion of what you were trying to learn and even if you happen to remember it all for the test, there is the possibility of forgetting it all after the test. One way to avoid cramming for tests is to do all of your homework in a timely fashion and make sure that as you do it you are focusing on understanding each problem not just completing them. Another thing to do is to make sure that you take time to go over notes from class a couple times a week.

    ReplyDelete
  33. 3. The best way to study for test Anxiety, is to just relax mostly. You always have to remember that even if you fail the test so badly, there's always going to be room for improvement. Most people get test anxiety because they feel that slippery slope coming on where if they don't Ace the test, they'll fail the class, drop out of college, and not be able to do anything with their life. One thing that always helps me with my test anxiety is knowing that everything happens for a reason. When the test comes along, I take time studying and really trying to do my best, and I know that no matter what happens with my grade or even my future, it was all meant to be so I just need to go with it and try harder next time.

    ReplyDelete
  34. 5. Cramming for a test is not a very good thing in any type of situation. I have had my fair share of times when I have really spent my entire night trying to study as much as I can because I didn't study any time before that. This led me to actually do worse in my exam. First off, I barely had any sleep from the night before because I was trying so desperately to accomplish studying as much as possible. Throughout cramming, drinking endless cups of coffee, and trying to memorize so much, I actually had moments of going through denial and thinking I wouldn't be able to finish or even do well on the test! Much of that was unfortunately true. A good way to avoid cramming for a test would definitely be getting a head start on things. Organize the chapters that are going to be on the test and start reviewing everything from weeks before! You know there will be a test regardless, so why not review everything from before! By doing this, you will be able to successfully adhere to everything on the test, and actually get a good night's rest the night before.

    ReplyDelete