The most important skill a student can learn...
...is how to take tests, especially standardized tests. All professions require the completion of a huge comprehensive exam in order to be admitted into that profession. The Bar exam is a good example: it doesn't matter what your GPA was in law school or how many times you were on the Dean's List, if you can't pass the Bar, you can't be a lawyer, period. Teaching students how to prepare for and take tests will be a skill that they will thank you for (later).
Your point is very valid. Before reading your post, I realized that I assumed that everyone has taken standardized tests in grades 2 - 12.
But with the increase in home schooling, and other alternative schools, it definately is a good idea to include standardized testing in upper level courses.
True. I will add that an ability to function in a practical sense and meet course requirments makes for a well rounded student.
I truly agree each student has to find what works best for them when taking any form/type of test. It is the best skill they can acquire during their time in college. This not only helps then to prepare for any certifications they will take but also to anticipate the needs of their prospective clients.
How can we put more of an emphasis on test taking skills? We need to teach those who are weak test takers how to more efficiently handle and study for exams.
Hi Robin- It's really unfortunate that our students do not learn those skils in the K-12 environment! Best wishes- Susan
I agree with you. When I attended college before teaching I took a class that was called Success Strategies which taught me effective study techniques, how to study for a test,how to find needed articles in a library, how to take notes in class, and how to take a test. I helped me in the years to come. I appreciated this class more than any other I took.
Hi Mary - Thanks for your post to the forum. I know lawyers who passed the Bar easily on their first try who later were actually lousy lawyers and also some who, like your Father, struggled to pass the Bar Exam and became exceptional attorneys! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Great point - This reminds me of my father taking the Bar Exam when I was a child. he had a high IQ but struggled with the Bar exam and had to take it several times in the early 70's. The bar has now been altered considerably and is suppose to be easier to pass the first time. M.Beck
