How to Develop your Test Taking

Tactical Advantage

Keisha R. Callins, MD, MPHAlbany State University

September 1, 2015

“10 Things You Gotta Know”

“The Brave man is not the one who does not feel

afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

~ Nelson Mandela

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

How do you usually feel about taking a test?

Should I even take this test?

I’m going to bomb this test!

I’m going to ace this test!

I think I know enough to do well…

I really wish I had taken more time to study…

“I’m not telling you it is going to be easy – I’m

telling you it’s going to be worth it.”

~ Art Williams

• Know your style• Know the test• Know your time• Know your plan• Know your priorities• Know your partners• Know your frustrations• Know your prayers• Know your health• Know your progress

10 Things You REALLY Need to Know…

“Genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work…”

~ Albert Einstein

• How do you learn???– Howtolearn.com– Learning-styles-online.com– www.mindtools.com

• How long can you study???• When is your best time to study???• Should you study in a group???• Study Aids

– Flash cards – quizlet/studyblue/flashcardmachine– Images– Mnemonics– Studygs.net

KNOW YOUR STYLE…

“Failure is not an option.”

~ Gene Kranz

• Who will administer the test?• Who can help you prepare?• What you will be tested on?• What is your performance goal?• When will you have the test?• When will you get results?• Where will the test be given?• Where can you get practice material?• Why are you taking this test?• Why is this test given?• How much time will you have?• How will the test be graded?

KNOW YOUR TEST…

“Procrastination is the thief of time.”

~ Edward Young

• Write out a timeline

• Schedule breaks

• Organize activities

• Hold yourself accountable

• Don’t Panic

KNOW YOUR TIME…

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of

preparation, hard work learning from failure.”

~ General Colin Powell

• Write out an action plan

• Pace yourself

• Stay on task

• Understand your limitations

• Work smart

• Practice, practice, practice

KNOW YOUR PLAN…

“Recipe for success: Study while others are sleeping;

work while others are playing; and dream while

others are wishing.”William A. Ward

• What are your goals?

• What should you spend your time on?

• What events can be bypassed this week?

• What are your strengths?

• What areas need improvement?

• Who needs your attention?

KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES…

“Be strong enough to stand alone,

smart enough to know when you need help,

and brave enough to ask for it.” ~ Unknown

• Study friends vs study enemies

• Professors are good resources

• Mentors can be good resources

• Don’t hang out with people who will waste your time

• You may need to motivate someone and learn by teaching

KNOW YOUR PARTNERS…

“Success consists of going from failure to failure

without loss of enthusiasm.”

~ Winston Churchill

• Embrace your failure• Reflect

– Ask yourself why and please be honest…

• Acknowledge your fears• DABDA if you have to…• Let your frustrations be your fuel

KNOW YOUR FRUSTRATIONS…

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your

plans will succeed”

~ Proverbs 16:3

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil;my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalm 23

KNOW YOUR PRAYERS…

“Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have

to live.”

Jim Robin

• Do not forsake your mind:– Puzzles– Luminosity.com– Easterseals.com– Read the newspaper– sleep

• Do not forsake your body:– Regular exercise– Good nutrition– Avoid alcohol and tobacco– Take your vitamins

KNOW YOUR HEALTH…

“Four steps to achievement:

plan purposefully,prepare prayerfully,proceed positively,

pursue persistently.”

~ William Arthur Ward

• Regular progress checks• Reassess and update your action

plan as needed• Schedule treats• Allow time for review• Get feedback • Practice tests• Simulate the test

KNOW YOUR PROGRESS…

“Victory belongs to the most persevering.”

~ Napoleon Bonaparte