It is important for students to learn how to take tests well. Unfortunately, a test is one of the few objective barometers of how much a student knows. Even though a test may only take a short amount of time to be completed, consequences can be serious for the rest of the semester and the future ofstudents. Therefore, it is important for students to do everything they can to place themselves in the best position possible to be successful. This means understanding a few of the most common mistakes that students make on tests. What are a few of the most common examples?
Not Getting Enough Sleep the Night Before the Test
One of the most common mistakes that students make is not getting enough sleep the night before the test. A lot of students have a tendency to procrastinate. They may think about pulling an all-nighter in an effort to cram as much knowledge as they can into their heads. Even though they feel like they are spending a lot of time learning the material, a lot of what they learned is simply going in one ear and out the other. Instead, it is more important for students to get enough sleep the night before the test. That way, they provide their brain with time to recharge, allowing them to focus while the next day. Students who do not get enough sleep the night before the test are prone to doing poorly.
Trying To Rush Through the Test Too Quickly
Another mistake that students make is trying to rush through the test too quickly. A lot of students feel like they don't have a lot of time when they are taking a test. In reality, the vast majority of students have plenty of time. If students end up focusing on the clock the entire time, they are more likely to make mistakes. Therefore, it is more important for students to take their time, read the question carefully, assess all of the answers, and make a decision. If students are simply focused on finishing as quickly as they can, they are liable to make a bunch of silly mistakes.
Not Double-Checking Their Work Before Turning it In
It is also important for students to make sure they check their work before they turn in the test. A lot of students feel like they can leave class early if they finish the test quickly. That little bit of extra free time may incentivize them to rush through the test. Teachers can rectify this by forcing students to sit there with their test the entire time until they are allowed to leave the classroom. That way, students will take the time to double-check their work before they turn it in. This is how they might be able to catch a few of the silly mistakes that they make when they rushed through the test the first time.
Relying on Rote Memorization To Carry Them to the Finish Line
Another kind of mistake that students make is relying on rote memorization to carry them through the test. Even though this may help younger students, older students are going to be asked to apply the concepts they learn. It is better for students to work practice questions when they are preparing for the test. For example, it might be helpful for students to refer to an i-Ready test with i-Ready answers as a way to measure their knowledge. When students take the time to work on a few practice problems before the test, they are more likely to do better on test day.
Help Students Prepare and Take Tests Appropriately
These are a few of the most common mistakes that students make when taking tests. It is important for students to make sure they prepare and take tests appropriately. Test performance can have a major impact on the future of a student. Even though this may sound unfair, it is the reality. Therefore, it is incumbent on students, teachers, and caregivers to do everything they can to make sure their students do as well as possible on test day.
