Test Taking
This can be a very hard time for students so being able to help them in their time of need is key.
Hi Linda,
Great! A pretest is a variation of an exam review. I thik students like practice tests.
Barry Westling
I always prefer to give a practice test before the final. The practice test is different than the final, and focuses more on applying what was learned. The practice test is short, yet thorough.
Hi Brandon,
Minimizing test anxiety is kind of an art. I refer to any test or quiz as an "assessment" or "check for understanding". As you point out, giving enough time and conveying enough time will be available helps too. Pretesting and giving time for test preparation using a study guide can be useful tools as well. When students sense the teacher want them to be successful and uses activities such as decribed overall tends to relax students and creates a better teacher/student relationship in the process.
Barry Westling
I see to many students that know the material but "lock up" during a test and miss questions that they know. I think it is key to not rush the and tell them to relax.
Hi Lorraine:
Yes, testing determines if and to what degree the students did or did not master the material. I agree testing can be an instructional tool by reviewing the answers. Better yet, I have students break into for groups (usually) and have each group identify the correct answer and provide an explantion why to the other three groups. This helps engage them and builds better retention of information.
Regards, Barry
Test taking is a tool. Providing information that will be covered on test is important. Giving the answers is not learning--but discussing the answers after the test I believe increases learning. The instructor should commend good work and explain where there were errors.
Hi Ayesha:
For me, testing is simply a measure of learning that has (or has not) occured. It's one of the few times we really can't jump in and help. But we can prepare them for testing, cover material thorougly, and review test results soon after the exam to straighten out missed or incorrect answers.
Regards, Barry
