Learning Objective: Investigate test-taking skills to achieve higher assessment scores Being prepared for tests is not an easy process. Even if you are prepared, tests can still make you feel anxious. Why is being a good test taker so important in college? In colleges and universities, much of a student’s grades are based on quiz and test performance. Doing well on these tests is typically a major indicator on your subject matter knowledge and a good indicator of how you would perform in the workplace. Having good test scores will jumpstart your career. In this seminar, we will address test-taking and test preparation tips and strategies for college-level tests. Applying helpful test-taking and test preparation skills addressed in this seminar, such as writing down everything you remember, reading the directions, browsing the test questions, putting together a plan, and making an educated guess, will teach you how to prepare for and perform well on any test so that you feel confident that you’re bringing your testing A-game. At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to: a. Review the factors that limit achieving higher college assessment scores. b. Identify practices for dealing with test anxiety. c. Measure current test-taking methods’ validity. d. Generate more efficient techniques for improving assessment scores.

1. Dr. Jerrod. A. Henderson - Speaker
Mrs. Sonia Henry - Panelist
Mr. Rick Wilson - Moderator
Winning Test-Taking
Strategies

2. Overview
• Introductions
• Winning Test-Taking
Strategy Principles
 Before
 During (day of)
 After
• Q & A / Final remarks

3. Introductions
Mr. Rick Wilson
Northrop Grumman
Mrs. Sonia Henry
The Aerospace Corporation
Dr. Jerrod A. Henderson
University of Houston

4. BEYA EXAM
3 minutes
Exam highlights two key principles to
be discussed later in this session:
1. Following instructions
2. Being prepared

5. Think‐Pair‐Share
• List 1 test-taking challenge
you’ve faced so far
• With a partner come up with 1
thing you can do/have done to
overcome this challenge

6. BEFORE THE EXAM
Preparation

7. Manage Time Wisely
• Avoid:
 Cram sessions
 Distractions (people, places, things)
 Stress and frustration
• Establish:
 Study schedule
 Study location
Prepare each day

8. Actively Read Textbooks
• Work through example problems
• Write down questions & thoughts
• Take notes
Reading
reinforces material
covered in class

9. Seek Help & Advice
• Seeking help is not bad!
• Don’t procrastinate when you need
help
• Where to go when you need help
 Learning centers/tutoring
 Professors & Teaching Assistants
 Counseling
 Personal tutors
 Peers
 Quiz/test banks (online, peers, organizations)

10. Practice Makes Permanent
• Make practice exam
 Anticipation questions (study
group)
 Ask professor for pointers
• Simulate exam environment
 Take practice exam
 Time yourself (less time than exam)

11. Preparing for Exams
• Attend study sessions (if offered)
• Resolve all questions
• Mentally prepare (e.g., sleep, eat)
 Get at least 6 hours of sleep for memory
benefits (8 hours is recommended)
 Eat a balanced meal before exam
 Don’t study right before or discuss with
others. Relax instead.
(Why? You’ve already prepared)
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr‐robert‐oexman/all‐nighters_b_1501263.html

12. DURING THE EXAM
Execution

13. During the Exam
• Arrive early
• Follow directions
• Listen for clarification
announcements
• Read through entire exam first

14. During the Exam
• Look for clues/hints
• Make & list assumptions
• Plan to finish early and review
• Pay attention to point values for
questions (manage your time)

15. AFTER THE EXAM
Assessment

16. After the Exam
Once you receive the
graded exam:
• Seek to understand
questions you might
have missed
• Make sure you
understand concepts