When we start working together, my clients often do poorly on tests, even though they studied. It’s so frustrating. The trick is to study in the right way. Here’s three mistakes kids make, and what to try instead.
1. Don’t “go over the material” —> Instead, produce some output
Reading over the notes of the sample problems feels productive, but it’s not a great way to study! Our brain does best when we transform the information we’re learning. At a minimum, you should make some note cards and test yourself (look away, and see what you can recall, then check them over). Even better:
Make a practise test and master it
Create a web diagram of everything on the test
Get together with friends and test each other
2. Don’t ignore your anxiety before the test —> Instead calm yourself and see how much more you remember.
When we’re stressed, we forget what we just learned, and do old bad habits. That’s why you can practice a math question over and over again, and still forget and make the same silly mistake when it’s test time. To calm yourself, try some long deep breaths out.
3. Don’t forget to look at what your teacher said —> instead, talk to a friend, and make sure you understand the test details.
Teachers tell you SO much about what is one a test (usually), but it’s easy to forget that and study everything, or become overwhelmed and study the wrong thing. It’s worth taking a few minutes to go over the details of the test. If your notes are missing some details, you should talk to a friend, and get the details. Ask yourself:
What did the teacher tell me I could ignore?
What topics am I sure will be on the test?
What types of questions are going to be asked?
Do I need to know every detail, or just the big picture?
If you do these three things - study actively and produce output, calm your nerves, and focus on what the teacher told you would be on the test - you’ll see your marks grow - and your confidence too!
