Are you dreading an upcoming test? Do you blank out or have trouble focusing every time you take a big exam? Are you frustrated because you consistently find that your scores don't match what you feel you really know?
Let's figure out how to build your skills and confidence by breaking the test-taking process down into 3 different phases in the story: Before, during, and after.
Description of the video:
How's it going, Everybody on Liam. And today we'll be discussing the scariest part about college, deciding on nation. That's fair. Today we'll be discussing the second scariest thing about college test taking. Let's get into it. Yes, test taking. Now I know even just saying those words probably sends fear down many of your spines and that's understandable. There are several stressful factors leading up to taking a test. Is my mind going to go blank? Am I not going to recognize the material? Is my score not going to match what I really know? There's a lot to think about, but don't worry, because today we're going to learn how to become test taking champion. But before we talk about the test itself, let's talk about how to prepare for it. Because as I've always said, failing to prepare is preparing to fail funny. I think I've heard that one before. May or may not be a Ben Franklin. Not important. Moving on, what is important is that you're well prepared to take your tests. And you can do that in many ways. One of the most effective ways is to create and stick to a regular study schedule After class, take a break to recharge and then review the material you learned. And as time goes on. And make sure to go back and review older material as well, to make sure the entire lesson is being retained. This prevents the dreaded cramming. Now we've all done it, and it can work in the short term. But then we have to learn and re, learn material in a boring and demotivating loop. To prevent this, determine how much time you have before an exam. And divide your material accordingly by engaging with your material all along the way. It stays fresh in your mind and the exam becomes merely a deeper review. It's also important to identify what your test format will be. This means determining whether it's multiple choice, essay based, or a combination of different styles. This makes it easier to tailor your studying habits. I like to think of it as making the practice match the game. If you're going to be shooting in a three point contest, it doesn't make much sense to be working on your defense. Tough to figure out which type of exam you'll be facing on test day and study accordingly. That was the first try, by the way, really. But what does quality studying actually look like? Well, don't just look over the words in your textbook and notes. Actively engage with the material. Think of your brain like a muscle. The harder it's working to retrieve information, the better you'll remember it. This is called retrieval practice, and you can put it in action by using methods like self quizzing or teaching the content to someone else to make sure you're processing the material more deeply. Being the teacher while studying is the perfect way to reveal what you actually know and what you actually don't know. And lastly, take care of yourself. We care about you. Make sure you're taking care of your body and mind by eating right, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising as often as you can. I'm talking to you guys. What? Huh, Yikes. Numerous studies can be found that link a students well being to their performance in the classroom, across the board. Those with healthy diets and sleeping habits can be seen with higher grades. More focus and better attention. Easier said than done, I get it. College isn't necessarily a stress free experience. It's nice to get acquainted with some stress management techniques. Things like meditation, journaling or just taking a walk can be quick ways to ease some of your anxieties. And some strategies can be performed anywhere at any time. Things like box breathing, where you inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and exhale for 4 seconds, so it makes a box, hence the name. But make sure to practice these techniques and find out what you like before test day. That way you're not trying to use them for the first time when you actually need them. Remember, we're trying to lower your stress levels, not add to them. I hope the tips contained in this video help you feel more confident in your pre test taking routine. Thanks for watching and have a great semester.
Cramming works - until it doesn't. What can you do instead?
Figure out your test format. Then, make the "practice" match the "game."
Help yourself out and make your learning easier.
More about how improving your well-being and learning go together here!
Description of the video:
How's it going, everybody? I'm lam and today I'll be sharing some tips on how to feel confident while taking a test. Now, if you haven't seen our last video on how to prepare before taking a test, go check that out and come back after it. Now let's get into it. Okay, it's test day. So what do we do? No. Step one, show up early. This will reduce anxiety and give you time to get ready before the test starts. And when it does start, read the instructions carefully. There's nothing worse than missing easy points because you didn't follow directions. And perhaps most importantly, make sure to manage your time wisely. Be aware of the time you have to complete the exam. It's important not to get stuck perfecting one question at the cost of the rest of the test. Stay calm, answer what you know and come back to tricky questions later. How do we do that? I'm glad you asked. One great way to stay relaxed is to use some of the calming techniques we talked about in our previous video. Positive self talk, breathing exercises, visualization, things like that. But another helpful tip is understanding the similarities between anxiety and excitement. These are both high arousal emotions that have similar symptoms. Understanding this can make it easier to get from one to another instead of trying to abruptly shift gears completely. Another thing I suggest is the frame what's in front of you. As a challenge, understand that you've been here before. You're well prepared and you have the tools to succeed. It's also easy to miss things if you're not reading the questions correctly. I suggest reading each question three times. Take test. The first time is to get the gist. The second time to note specific words that affect how you answer the question. Phrases like check all that apply and things like that. And the third time to say the question back to yourself so you know what it's really asking. And as you know, you'll be faced with different types of questions as well, Multiple choice, comprehension essays. So it's important to know how to approach each one for multiple choice, I like to start by getting rid of the options that I know are definite, not its. Then I'll select the one that I think is best. And be thorough. Keep in mind that there could be just one word or one phrase that can swing the answer in one way or another. And if you're unsure about it, put a question mark and come back later. For comprehension questions, it's important to wait for it, wait for it, comprehend what's in the passage. You're reading. Crazy thought, I know. So take time to stop and put the message in your own words. Make sure you could explain it to somebody else. Merely skimming over the words isn't going to cut it when you're asked to give detailed answers. Lastly, we have essay style questions. For these, pay attention to the main verb that the question is asking, for a diagram, a summary, an analysis, and evaluation. A good way to do this is to circle keywords in the main question and whatever verb it does call for. Make sure to back up your argument with supporting evidence because you know credibility. So by now, you know how to prepare before the test. You know what to do during the test. I guess that just leaves what to do after. It looks like I got another video to make. But thank you for watching this one and go crush those tests this semester.
Calm the self-talk and get in the game.
Get it down, survey, read carefully, and budget your time.
The brain doesn't like to be unemployed. Let's give it something to do besides focus on your stress while you're taking the test.
Adjust your strategies to the moment!
Description of the video:
What's going on everybody? And welcome to part three of our test taking tip series. A bit of a tongue twister. Now we've talked about what to do before a test and during a test. Well, let's talk about what to do after taking a test. Let's get into it. Congratulations, you finished your test, but the journey doesn't end there. Be sure to review your exam when it's returned by your professor. This will allow you to see what you got wrong and learn from your mistakes. And never hesitate to ask for feedback if you're unsure why you got certain questions wrong. And lastly, be mindful of the techniques you used to study and the results that they produced. If what you see isn't what you expected, might be time to modify your studying techniques. So how do we effectively analyze our test? Well, one way is to go back through it with your professor or on your own, and see what patterns of error you can detect. Each pattern identifies some different ways to change your studying and test taking habits. For each pattern, ask why, why, and what would help? Now you can even color code. For example, misread equals pink, forgot material equals purple. Never understood equals red. Knew enough, but couldn't apply it in the way being asked equals blue, careless mistake equals green, you got to organize that chaos. It's a lot like my life, actually. Now let's talk about results. When you get your test back, one of two things will have happened. The test went the way you wanted. Congrats, by the way, or it didn't. But that's not all bad, because now you have the potential to learn something incredibly valuable that you can use in the future. But either way, feel your feelings. Be happy, be sad, be angry, be excited, and then let it go. And if it's one of those less great emotions, regroup and realize that this is where hope and growth comes from. And that with every hurdle you overcome, you'll start to believe in yourself more and more. Rising to that challenge reveals your hidden abilities. And seeing those abilities changes your self concept. But sometimes it's hard to be nice to yourself. So let's talk about how to practice self compassion. There are three components. The first is self kindness versus self judgment. This is all about being understanding with ourselves. Think about how you react when a friend comes to you with a problem versus how you treat yourself with your problems. Probably a lot nicer to your friend, right? Practice using that same compassion with yourself. The second component is common humanity versus isolation. This highlights those feelings we encounter when we think, oh, only I could do this bad, or oh, this would only happen to me. Instead, recognize that failure is an unavoidable part of life and use it to spring yourself forward next time. And lastly, mindfulness versus over identification. This is all about embracing our shortcomings in a constructive way. Using setbacks to learn rather than to mope. Identifying problems rather than complaining. Being able to use your troubles in a positive way will shift your mindset into not feeling so defeated when things don't go your way. I hope you all feel more confident now that you have this test taking roadmap. And remember, not every test will be perfect, but use those shortcomings as motivation. Thanks so much for watching and have a great semester.
Feel your feelings but then, when you're ready...
Analyze your test.
