Peak Performance:
Success In College And
Beyond
Chapter
8
Excel
At Taking Tests
Chapter Objectives
Prepare for tests
Describe strategies for taking tests
Use test results
Take different types of tests
Use special tips for math and science tests
Prepare for performance appraisals
Overcome test anxiety
Success Principle 8
Focus on UNDERSTANDING,
not testing.
Test-Taking Strategies
Before the Test
Start on day one
Know expectations
Ask questions in class
Keep up
Review early
Review weekly
Test-Taking Strategies
Do a final review
Use memory techniques
Create sample tests
Summarize
Use your study team
Use all available resources
Assemble what you will need
Test-Taking Strategies
During the test
Write down key
information
Read and listen
to all instructions
Determine which
questions are worth the most
Answer objective
questions
Test-Taking Strategies
Answer essay
questions
Answer remaining
questions
Review
Test-Taking Strategies
After the test
Reward yourself
Analyze and assess
Did my study
strategy work?
Did I read the
test before I started?
What were my
strengths? What did I do right?
What questions
did I miss?
Test-Taking Strategies
Did I miss clues
in the test?
Did I ask the
instructor for clarification?
How well did I
know the content on which I was being tested?
What should I
have studied more?
Test-Taking Strategies
Did I anticipate
the style and format of the questions?
What didnt I
expect?
Did I have
trouble with certain types of questions?
How was my
recall?
Did I practice
the right kind of thinking?
Test-Taking Strategies
Did I test myself
with the right questions?
Did I handle test
anxiety well?
Would it have
helped if I had studied with others?
What changes will
I make in studying for the next test?
Test-Taking Strategies
Review with your
instructor
Review the test
with your study team
Taking Different Types Of Tests
True/False Test
Listen and read
carefully
Pay attention to
details
Watch for
qualifiers
Watch for faulty
cause and effect
Always answer
every question
Trust your
instincts
Taking Different Types Of Tests
Multiple-Choice Test
Read the question
carefully
Rephrase the
question
Cover the
potential answers
Eliminate choices
Go from easy to
difficult
Taking Different Types Of Tests
Watch for
combinations
Look at sentence
structure
Use critical
thinking
Taking Different Types Of Tests
Matching Test
Read carefully
Eliminate
Look at
sentence
structure
Taking Different Types Of Tests
Fill-In-The-Blank Test
Watch for clues
Count the number
of blanks
Watch for the
length of the blank
Answer the
questions you know first
Answer all
questions
Taking Different Types Of Tests
Open-Book Test
Typically goes beyond basic recall
Requires preparation
Mark important areas in book
Requires critical thinking
Use your own words
Taking Different Types of Tests
The Essay Test
1.
Budget your writing time
2.
Read the question carefully
3.
Create an outline
4.
Focus on main points
5.
Write concisely and correctly
6.
Use key terms and phrases
Taking Different Types Of Tests
7.
Answer completely
8.
Write neatly
9.
Use all the available time
Special Strategies for Math and Science
Tests
1. Use note cards
2. Write key
information
3. Survey the test
4. Answer easy to
hard
5. Answer general to specific
6. Write the problem in longhand
Special Strategies for Math and Science
Tests
7. Make an estimate
8. Illustrate the problem
9. Ask yourself
questions
10. Show your work
11. Do a similar
problem
Last-Minute Study Tips
1. Focus on a few points
2. Intend to be positive
3. Review your note cards
4. Review your notes
5. Affirm your memory
Preparing For A Performance Appraisal
Review your job description
How do you view your job and the working climate?
List your goals and objectives and the results
achieved
What documentation do you have that demonstrates your
results and achievements?
What areas do you see as opportunities for
improvement?
Preparing For A Performance Appraisal
What are your strengths and how can you maximize them?
What are your
general
concerns?
What are your
advancement
possibilities?
Preparing For A Performance Appraisal
What new skills could assist in your
advancement?
How can you increase your problem-solving
skills?
How can you make more creative and sound
decisions?
What additional training would be helpful for
you?
Preparing For A Performance Appraisal
What can you do to prepare yourself for
stressful projects and deadlines?
Give examples of how you have contributed to the
companys profits.
What relationships could you develop to help you
achieve results?
Do you work well with other people?
Preparing For A Performance Appraisal
What project would be rewarding and challenging this
year?
What resources do you need to complete this project?
Do you have open and effective communication with your
supervisor and co-workers?
How does your assessment of your work compare with
your supervisors assessment?
Overcome Obstacles
Test Anxiety
Dispute negative
thoughts and conversations
Rehearse
Get regular
exercise
Eat breakfast
Visualize success
Overcoming Obstacles
Stay calm
Get to class
early
Focus
Keep a sense of
perspective
Get help
Overcoming Obstacles
Cheating
Violates your integrity
Erodes confidence
Creates academic problems
Increases stress
Brings high risks
Peak Performance:
Success In College And
Beyond
Chapter
8
Excel
At Taking Tests