By Eric Poe/reporter
Stevie Blakely discussed test-taking strategies with TR students April 26.
“Taking a test has little to do with information you actually know,” she said.
Blakely said successful test-taking actually relies on strategies one uses when taking a test.
“There are some things you should do before, after and during the test,” she said. “A lot of them are actually just common sense.”
Blakely gave out her tips.
“Before the test, make sure you study as the lessons go along. Don’t wait until the last minute to cram,” she said. “Also, with book publishers now writing many of the teachers’ tests, many of the questions in the textbooks will be on the test.”
When students get the test, they should read the entire exam first. Then, they answer questions in order from easy, medium and hard, Blakely said.
She said her research shows grades increase by one or two letter grades and confidence builds when that technique is used.
“When you get stuck on a question, don’t panic,” she said. “What you should do is try and eliminate as many choices as you can. Then use common sense or previous information to answer. When you need to guess, pick your favorite letter and guess consistently.”
While preparing before the test, students should make sure they gather any materials they need the night before the exam, Blakely said.
“Get enough sleep the night before, follow your normal morning routine and, if possible, exercise before the test,” she said. “The exercise will help give off endorphins which will help you have a more positive outlook before the exam.”
Blakely then led the group through a practice test she had put together on different subjects.
“This is a hard test, but I want you to use the strategies we have discussed,” she said. “Look for keywords and use words within questions to point you to the right answer.”
Blakely and the group went question by question through the test, utilizing the different methods to answer each question.
Students like Brishon Jackson found Blakely’s suggestions helpful.
“I have pretty bad test anxiety, but this has given me a new way to get ready for a test, like not cramming the night before,” Jackson said. “I also usually answer the hardest questions first, but I’m gonna answer the easy ones first from now on. I bet it will work.”
