Test Preparation: Tips and Techniques

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Rarely does a student get excited over an upcoming test. We can’t expect this, but we can take steps to ensure that he or she is as prepared as possible. In-class tests (either created by the teacher or part of a curriculum that the teacher uses) are a vital part of the assessment in any grade. Below, I have compiled some strategies and tips to think about when helping your child prepare for these tests.

-Create quality study time

Plan out study time for your child. It’s best if there is a schedule of some sort in place. Maybe studying happens for 10 minutes after homework is done. Maybe right after dinner. It’s important that your child has access to a quiet, distraction free environment. This may mean altering your own schedule or habits slightly.

-Pinpoint trouble areas:

Don’t just jump into studying blindly! Stay informed via homework and other assignments. Use this history to see where your child struggles. This should give you direction when guiding your child’s studying. At home is a good place to work on those trouble areas without the stress of having to perform for the class or the teacher.

-Practice by doing:

Why not give your child a taste of what is to come. Create a test using your child’s textbook, past assignments, or notes. At-home tests might not get your kids jumping up and down, but it can be done in a fun way. Maybe involve some role playing (kids love to play school) or offer small rewards and prizes for a test well taken.

-Don’t cram

This one is important! Studying is not something to be done the night before the test. Study throughout the course of each unit. This is where a schedule can come into play. Students will benefit if studying is planned and expected each night. They will come to class each day with more confidence. Also, just before the test, your child will not have the huge task of reviewing everything in the unit. This way, a simple refresher should do, and after a good night sleep he or she will be alert and ready for the text the next day.

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Comments

Lynie Morris

These are very important tips, I believe that cramming is the worst thing you can do, I use to do it when I was back in school, but now I try to teach my kids to study a little bit everyday so that when test day comes they only have to focus on the areas they struggle with the most, pinpointing trouble areas as you say.
jenna tomaszewski

I agree with the don’t cram, but several of my friends seemed to do well with this idea.
I guess it depends on the child. I would encourage kids to use a planner and to check it to help them keep their schedule and to become efficient keeping up on their homework.