How to become a superstar student, Part 11

Getting control of tests is sometimes a major challenge for students. Michael Geisen offers some ideas about how to take advantage of a test as a vehicle for learning and success.

First, cramming does not work. What does work much better is spreading out your study periods for at least a week before the test. This gives you more time to absorb the concepts more deeply and permanently and to ask your teacher questions in the days before the test. The night before the test, do a quick review and get a good night’s rest.

Good test prep begins with knowing the test format – multiple choice, fill-in, essay, etc. Ask your teacher about the format, as well as the most important concepts to review – but remember, this is not asking, “What is going to be on the test?”

As you know, most tests ask for basic facts, like vocabulary, names, dates or formulas. Flash cards can help you memorize these. Acronyms and rhymes are good, too.

Then there are the big ideas that form the foundation of the unit. If you studied about the Civil War, one big idea would involve the causes of the war. Such a big idea would determine which facts and details you need to study. If you are not sure, ask.

Finally, you need to practice with both facts and big ideas. One of the best ways to do this is to make your own test to study by. If you can make your own test over the subject matter in math, history, science or English, then you will know the material that will be tested. Write your own math problems, or your own essay for English, or short-answer section for history or science. This beats just looking over your notes and gets the information into your brain better.

When you study, Geisen suggests that you break your study periods into 20 to 30-minute sessions. Your body and brain need a break during intense study, and taking a short 5- to 10-minute break between sessions will help you focus on one single concept or test format per session.

If you prefer group study, just make sure you are not the only one doing all the studying. This is not a time for hanging out with your friends. Group study is just that – all members of the group must be disciplined and focused on the same goal – to pass the test. Try making up test questions for each other, answering them separately, and then reviewing the answers to determine who has not only the “correct” answer, but also the “best” answer. Give each other timed quizzes to practice test-taking under pressure.

Of course, what you do as a group, you can also do individually. In either case, when you are stumped, ask your teacher before the test day, so you do understand the material better. Next week, we will look at test time and after the test.