We all dread them no matter what we say. They can cause stress. They can even make or break our grades! I am sure by now you have an idea about what I'm talking about, yes, tests. Why don't we learn how to beat anxiety, take notes, study, and just be successful on that test?
You will certainly do much better on a test if you take notes, and ask questions on things you do not fully understand. For note taking I suggest you write down everything on the board. Even if the teacher says you don't have to, take the effort so you understand it later. Using abbreviations only really saves time if you understand what you wrote. In that case don't use random abbreviations that you THINK you will understand later, keep it safe.
Also if you are prone to loosing old assignments, take notes out of class on your homework assignments. This is a lot different from writing down what is on the board, or what your teacher says. You have to take the key elements and information on the page, and write it down using titles and subtitles.
While you are busy taking all these notes, it may help if can read them. Legibility of handwriting is very important when it comes time to study. It may help to bring home sheets, your book, and maybe a friend's notes, so you can type notes. Be sure that you go over your notes with a friend, and add anything you didn't have and they did.
Now that we have covered taking notes, why don't move on to, how to study and beat that test anxiety! So why don't we start of with an easy question? Why is studying important? Studying is important because it will help you do better on a test.
What is test anxiety? Test anxiety is when you compulsively think that you're are going to fail a test, even if you have been studying. This is actually very common. Try to maintain a positive attitude during studying, and don't let it get to you. If you find it hard to study for the test take a break, and have a few carrots or something light to eat.
Spread your studying over a few days so you are not stressed that you only studied one night. Make sure you don't stay up late to study, because you will need to be well rested for the test. Eat a well balanced nutritious breakfast. Make sure you went over everything that relates to this test. If you have the test after lunch take advantage of your lunch time and study some more. I'm sure you can form a small study group with your friends. Even get the scoop on what you really need to know for the test.
What about when the time comes to take the test? What if you forget something? What if you forget everything? Stop, take a deep breath and don't think about the "what ifs," and just go with the flow. Answer all the questions you know first, and don't spend 10 minutes trying to figure out what the answer is. If you don't know the answer move on, usually the answer lies in the questions around it. If it is a multiple choice, try using the process of elimination. If you can narrow the answer down to just two you have a 50/50 chance.
Check all of your work over, to make sure you didn't make any stupid mistakes. Read each question over again and cover your answers and make a guess. If your guess was the one you picked then keep it, but if it wasn't go over the question again. If people are done before you, don't fret. Take your time and get the best grade possible.
When you get your test back, look at what you got wrong. Learn from your mistakes. Remember that even if you don't get as high as the class wiz, you tried your best. If you have a question about why you got something wrong, ask your teacher. Your teacher should be happy to help.
Author's Notes:Sources:
http://www.studygs.net/tstprp1.htm
http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Papers/tes ttaking.htm
http://www.charliefrench.com/test_tips.htm#hp, http://www.infoplease.com/homework/studyskills4.html#before
I know the rest from my own experiences
