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Problem Solving Efficiency on Standardized Tests

Tags

Standardized Test Prep MS/HS/College Strategy

Skills

Working Memory

Problem Solving Efficiency on Standardized Tests

If your student makes scattered errors or works slowly because they forget what they were doing, typically because of weaker working memory

General Strategies

  1. Taking standardized tests requires you to juggle and manage a lot of information which can be especially challenging under timed conditions.
  2. Learn and practice test mechanics so you can save your energy for thinking and problem solving tasks. Whatever you can make automatic before test day will save you crucial mental energy for problem solving.
  3. Know the instructions. You don't want to waste energy thinking about the general instructions. You need your energy to focus on each problem.
  4. Have a process for eliminating incorrect answers so you don't get confused. As you review answer choices, cross it off if it's definitely incorrect, put a line next to the choice if you are unsure, or circle it if you know it is correct. Jot a reason. By clearly marking each choice, you will remember your intent and know if you might need to re-visit an answer and why. You don't want to rely on your memory.
  5. Manage anxiety. A little anxiety can provide the adrenaline to work quickly, but too much will interfere with your efficiency and make it harder to manage multiple tasks. While it is never easy to manage anxiety, self-confidence is key. When you have more familiarity with the tests and know which strategies you will use, you will feel more confident which will lessen your anxiety.

Subject-specific Strategies

  1. English: Mark up the paragraph organization questions so you can visually see the changes and aren't relying on short-term memory.
  2. Math: Show all your work so that you are not doing calculations in your head. This will help you avoid math computation errors and make it easier to check your work.
  3. Reading/ACT Science: Skim the questions before reading the passage to trigger what is important while reading. Also, annotating as you read can you help you more easily find the details you need to answer the questions.
  4. Science: Annotating the passages and marking up graphs and charts effectively will help you remember and have the correct information for solving efficiently.
  5. Essay: Quickly jot down an outline with all your key points before you write. As you write, cross-out each idea so you remember to include it. Leave time at end to proofread for grammar and punctuation.

Why It Works (the Science Of Learning)

Standardized tests can overload working memory far more than regular classroom tests, given the added importance of following test mechanics, the inability to look things up, and the likely higher levels of anxiety. When students are anxious, the first skill that is often affected is working memory. As a result, even students with fine working memory in a regular environment could have much more difficulty with working memory demands on standardized tests. Also, most standardized tests do not allow students to use reference materials and/or calculators. The option to look up facts, vocabulary, or formulas reduces the demands on working memory.