Education is Key and it Starts with

Me

Strategies for Success in EducationBy: Kimberly Clark & Dr. Sylvia Chandler

TIPS FOR INCREASING TEST SCORES

• Get to school on time every day, relaxed and mentally prepared• Ensure that you eat a healthy breakfast and avoid heavy foods that

may make you tired• Avoid high sugar/junk foods, especially on the morning on testing

days• Use positive self-talk, when preparing yourself for an exam or

assignment• I can do this.• Nobody is better than I am, nobody is worse than I am. I will learn and I

will succeed. • I know I can be what I want to be. If I work hard at it. I will be where I

want be.

TEST TAKING STRATEGIES – BY: WWW.SCHOLASTIC.COM

Regarding Directions • Remind students to read and listen to all directions carefully so they understand what is expected of them. Be sure students

are familiar with concepts and vocabulary that are traditionally included in directions.• Review the importance of budgeting time wisely. To gauge progress, guide them to divide the total number of test questions

in half or by fourths. They should do the same with the number of minutes allotted for the test. At appropriate time intervals, they can check progress.

• Train them to turn text booklet pages with care so they don't accidentally miss a page.

Tackling Multiple Choice Questions• Advise students to read all the answers and to answer any question to which they know the answer immediately.• If they don't know the answer, explain how to eliminate wrong answers and to make educated guesses by using context clues

and recognizing detractors.• Have them mark or star any question they skip so it will be easier to go back to the question later. Emphasize the importance

of leaving the corresponding answer space blank. Point out that making mistakes filling in ovals on the answer key or test booklet will have a negative impact on scores.

Dealing with Reading Passages• Discuss the merits of reading all the questions associated with a passage before actually reading the passage. Point out that

doing so usually helps test-takers hone in on relevant points.• Encourage students to highlight or underline key words, phrases, ideas and to go back to the text to find evidence or clues to

support the answers.• Remind them to utilize text features — captions, graphs, charts, and illustrations enhance the text and present relevant details.

TEST TAKING STRATEGIES (CONTINUED) – BY: WWW.SCHOLASTIC.COM

Approaching Essay Questions • Train students to use graphic organizers, webs, outlines, and/or bulleted lists to help them organize

information.• Remind them they can use the margins of the test booklet to jot down ideas.• Advise them to read the question carefully so they are sure to target the response appropriately.

The topic sentence should restate the question in some way.

Taking Account of Math Questions  • Stress the importance of showing their work and writing legibly. Even if a math answer is wrong,

students may receive partial credit if their work can be read and evaluated.• Have them check for careless errors such as forgetting to use labels, misplacing decimal points, or

adding incorrectly.• Remind them that questions may have more than one part and to answer all of them.

Wrapping Up• Advise test-takers to go back and check their answers if time allows.• Have them check the answer key periodically to make sure answers line up with questions.

TIPS FOR INCREASING GRADES

• Review key words in chapters as you read and place on flashcards

• Make a word bank of words you do not know• Study each subject every night, using your materials from

class• Study with no distraction and take frequent breaks

HOW CAN I BETTER PREPARE MYSELF?

• Take advantage of tutoring• Use your organization and time management skills• Learn how to study• Learn what your learning style is• Visual• Auditory• Kinesthetic

VISUAL LEARNERS

• You remember information best by using your eyes• You see pictures in your mind, of the material being

taught• Study Tips for Visual Learners:• Make flash cards (color code)• Use Outlines or maps to help make sense of what is

read• Write assignments in your planner

AUDITORY LEARNERS

• You remember information best by using your ears• You would prefer to listen to an audio book than read it• Auditory learners like to repeat information out loud to themselves• Study Tips for Auditory Learners:• Complete assignments after your teacher discusses the material• Read difficult passages aloud instead of silent• Record notes, vocabulary, math facts, or any other information

you must learn• Play a recording at home or when in the car• Recite info when you feel comfortable• Use music to help you learn, in a quiet place

KINESTHETIC LEARNERS

• Concentrate best when active• Find it hard to sit for long period of time• Most successful when they can do what they have learned• Like to do projects for class, instead of reading, writing, or listening• Use objects or flash cards, dice, or models to help you understand

math concepts• Type notes on the computer using different fonts and colors• During class do something active that doesn’t distract other students• When you study, take frequent breaks• Have a friend or parent help with organization

SKILLS FOR

• Time management- personal organizer (planner)• Do their homework in a timely fashion• Monitor academic progress through power school (students have their IDS)• Your best advocate is you• Encourage involvement in a wide variety of activities at

McLain Junior & Senior High School

FINAL TESTING & STUDY THOUGHTS

• Remember that education is the key to your success, both in the present and the future.

• You have all the skills and services that you need. It is up to you to access them.

• You are your strongest advocate.• Take charge of your education.