October 2007 — News
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Test Prep and Math Realities
Review problem-solving strategies, such as provided by MathCounts.org, and solve problems that specifically use those strategies. Emphasize there is often more than one way to solve a problem. Stress understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back, which are George Polya's problem-solving steps. The Washington Assessment of Student Learning practice problems for K-8 and High School at Port Angeles (WA) School District are a good resource. All of the problems at this site, which are separated into strands and strategies, are designed to help students learn to write in mathematics.
4. Review test-taking strategies.
Students should know techniques for taking multiple choice and essay tests and how to deal with anxiety. Southwestern University's Preparation for a Successful Exam Day and Study Guides and Strategies: Multiple Choice Tests will be helpful.
They also need to know the mechanics of test taking, such as identifying distracters, adhering to time limits, working with bubble sheets, reading and following test directions, and using deductive thinking to eliminate incorrect answers. They might plan their essays using graphic organizers and write on every other line, which leaves room for revision when the response is reread. It is helpful to provide at least one multiple choice or short answer question on each exam during the school year, which would be typical of that encountered on the standardized test. This will help reinforce strategies, making them a part of long-term memory.
Dealing with anxiety is an often neglected area in instruction and test preparation, yet nearly everyone has experienced it at one time or another. It's an emotional learned response that often comes from negative experiences working with teachers, tutors, classmates, or family members. Symptoms include panic, paranoia, passivity, and no confidence. Identifying the source of the problem is a first step in overcoming it. Tim Grosse's
Tips for Making Mathematics Your Friend are useful at any math level for relieving test and math anxiety. Chicago Public Schools produced Preparing Your Elementary Students to Take Standardized Tests and Preparing Your High School Students to Take Standardized Tests. These address test-taking skills, student attitudes and motivation, assessing thinking skills in the classroom, and general tips for classroom, homework, and assessment activities with content area preview.