Online Reference For Test Preparation

Online Reference For Test Preparation

Unprepared students cringe at the thought of having to take a test. In fact, the majority of students end up cramming their study time the night before taking the test, if they prepare at all. Properly prepared students realize that a little time and dedication will reward them with lesser stress, higher grades, and great financial rewards for persistent excellence. They generally follow a common list of tips, including keeping up-to-date with assignments, taking adequate notes, using active-learning strategies, adapting to their learning style, finding a place without distractions, and creating study tools to help understand the course material. In addition, prepared students utilize their time wisely by making summary sheets, flash cards, and practice tests to use during down time. Smart students also ask for help when they do not understand the course material by staying after class, getting a private tutor, and finding a study partner who can help reinforce the information obtained during class.

Test Taking Tips

• Test Stress: Ten Terrific Test-Taking Tips: PBS Kids offers ten test-taking tips to help students ease their worries about passing the test while sitting in front of the exam.
• Checklist: Test-Taking Strategies For Middle and High School Students: A document that instructs students on imparting sound test-taking strategies when it comes to sit down for the exam, including how to read directions, tackling multiple choice questions, reading comprehension, approaching essay topics, and understanding basic mathematical concepts.

Note Taking

• Note-taking Resources: How to Study offers an extensive series of note-taking resources for the dedicated student.

Reducing Test Anxiety

• Reducing Test Anxiety: A special guide that help students recognize test anxiety, coping strategies, and needed methods to succeed.
• Teen Health: Test Anxiety: A three-page article that helps teens deal with test anxiety.
• Managing Test Anxiety: Ideas for Students (PDF): An extensive list of references that help students manage their test anxiety.
• American Test Anxiety Association: An association dedicated to helping students overcome their test anxiety.
• Reducing Test Anxiety for Standardized Tests: An archived letter from Norman Prince, an instructor, on reducing test anxiety for standardized tests, including how to perform deep breathing exercises, how to relax mentally and physically, how to visualize, and how to incorporate positive affirmations for effective change.

Cramming Techniques

• How to Stop Procrastinating and Other Exam Survival Tips: Studies have shown that cramming produces high levels of anxiety that can interfere with test performance. This webpage offers alternative methods for cramming as a preparation for taking exams.
• Cramming: A Note of Caution: A webpage that covers the detrimental effects of students who choose to cram the night before an exam, instead of implementing progressive study habits.
• Cramming and Test Performance (PDF): An abstract paper that explores the efficacy of a common college practice of cramming before an exam.
• Cramming for Finals: A great article that gives some hints and tips for cramming for finals.

Study Tips

• End-of-Course (EOC) Exam Study Guides: Marion County Public School offers a comprehensive list of study guides for students to pass End-of-Course exams.
• Effective Study Skills for High School Students: An extensive list of effective study skills for high school students who wish to improve their test performance.
• How to Study: A Brief Guide: A resourceful guide for studying quizzes, tests, and exams.