Top 5 Ways to Prep for a Test

by Rod Hetherton

I wasn't much into studying during high school or college. I relied -- probably too much -- on my memory of discussions, lectures, and text. Becoming a teacher, though, has given me a better understanding of how to organize materials and time so that students can be well prepared. With my new fondness for studying, I can now even boast that my graduate work carries my highest GPA ever.

This list isn't some sure-fire way of becoming the next Nobel Prize winner, but it should give you some helpful hints (or reminders) on how to be prepared for that big test.

#5 Read, Read and Read

Sounds obvious, right? Reading all the materials discussed in your class is a must. I know many people -- ten-year-olds on up through college students -- who don't accomplish this simple task. Read all the chapters, books, handouts, study guides, outlines, and anything else that pertains to the topic.

When you read, read for information. This isn't leisure time, here! Have you ever been caught up in a good book and realized you just daydreamed away two chapters? Informational reading is different. You need to find headlines, highlights, and key words. Try reading through for info once, and then going back and concentrating on the important concepts.

#4 Turn Notes into Outlines

After you have completed your informational reading, you need to flush out the key ideas. To do this, take the notes from your reading and combine them with notes you've taken from your teacher's lectures. Organize these into a topical outline so they make sense and are easy to read. This is a great way to organize your thoughts!

Younger students often have trouble knowing what to take notes on. Here is a big hint: anytime a teacher repeats something more than once, it's important -- write it down!

I used to encourage my fifth grade students to pretend to be me. "If you were Mr. Hetherton and had to write the most important ideas on the board," I would ask, "what would you write down?" It's important to learn what to look for; young students can do this by looking for bold or colored text.

#3 Turn Your Outline into Flash Cards

Flash cards are a great way to take your well-organized notes and outline, and turn them into another excellent study tool. You can create them any way you want, but one way is to simply transfer main outline sections word for word. The main idea goes on the front, while the back contains the detailed information from your notes.

A more traditional way is to put a question on one side with the answer on the back. This requires more effort than simply transferring verbatim, but more closely simulates a test environment. These cards can be used as quiz material anywhere and anytime.
The great thing about flash cards is that you have to take the time to create them. If you have taken notes and made an outline of your notes, making the flash cards will be the third time you have written the important concepts in your own words. If you do this before every test, I guarantee success.

#2 Study With Another Person

Here's the scenario: You're up late studying and finally say, "Yeah, I know this". You shut your materials, turn off the light, and close your eyes. But during the test the following day, you can't remember the important stuff! Have you ever been in this situation?

The problem is we don't know what we don't know. It is extremely difficult for me to see the holes in my own knowledge. But when you have a study partner there, with all of the material in front of him, locating the weak spots is relatively easy. This is especially important with youngsters. It often takes a parent to recognize what the child has missed.

Once you have identified your weak spots, you can put aside everything else and concentrate on those materials that you still haven't grasped. A good study partner will keep at it until you have a firm knowledge of all the material.

(Final note to parents: Don't try this all in one night; you might kill each other. Start gradually throughout the test week, or earlier if possible.)

#1 Relax

Test anxiety is a real issue. I saw it all the time with 10 year-olds; I can only imagine what older students go through. If you've completed the four steps above to prepare for a test, then you're all set. Get a good night's sleep, eat a good breakfast, and have confidence that you prepared well.

Tests are like anything in life; you must put in some effort if you want to do well -- and even a little effort goes a long way. But don't take yourself (or a particular class) too seriously. It's not the end of the world if you don't do well. You will still wake up the next day. The sun will still rise. And the people that love you will still be there by your side.

Life Applications:

How do you approach preparing for a test?
Are you a person who tries to cram information in or one who has it all organized?
Do you suffer from test anxiety? How do you deal with it?

Copyright 2002 by Rod Hetherton
All rights reserved.