Taking Tests
Test Taking Strategies:
- "Whether you can or whether you can’t, you’re right." Henry Ford
- Anxiety and oxygen in the brain
- Reading the Test
Positive Energy - "Whether you can or whether you can’t, you’re right." Henry Ford
When you tell yourself you will fail, the brain believes you. The brain believes what we tell it. If you studied and prepared well, you will do well. You are in control.
Fight or Flight and Test Anxiety - Anxiety and oxygen in the brain
When we encounter stress, our bodies have a physiological reaction that is designed to protect our species from predators and other dangers. In order to survive, we make a decision to either run away or stay and fight. Either way, our bodies need a lot of oxygen to support the muscles when the adrenaline rushes through our veins. As a result, the oxygen from the cognitive or “thinking” brain leaves and gets diverted to the breathing center. To combat the lack of oxygen, stop and breathe deeply through your nose and out your mouth several times. Use a stress ball to squeeze or something tactile to touch.
Approaching the Test - Reading the Test
- Before taking the test review the material once to activate your memory and prior knowledge. When you have been in another class, your brain stays there and may have a hard time transitioning to the new subject. If your teacher will not let you look at your notes once you enter the class, don’t enter the room until you have looked at your notes. Do not stress over the information, just look at parts of it and think about making connections.
- Remember to coach yourself. At this point, you have done all there is to do in order prepare. Let it all go now. Tell yourself you are prepared and you will do very well.
- Look over the entire test.
- Do the easiest part first - this helps activate your recall for the other parts.
- Don’t spend too long on any one question. Circle any question you are unsure of and return later. Sometimes information that you provide in a short answer or essay will help you with another section.
Tips For Responding to Various Types of Test Questions
| 
