All students are able to learn. However, many have difficulties producing what they know when it comes time to take a test. The following strategies are provided for your teen to help them understand what students need to do to become efficient test takers.

1. Begin studying for tests early. Study a little each day so that as the test approaches you are reviewing rather than cramming. If old tests or practice problems are available, begin trying to answer the questions early so you have a better idea of what types of things to study for.

2. Find out how the test will be structured. Will it be multiple choice, essay, true/false? How many points will each question be worth? What information will students be expected to know?

3. Use your time wisely. Know your best study habits (e.g., reading aloud, reading in silence, using visual cues, nmenonics, frequently assessing comprehension, etc.) and find time to study to your strengths.

4. Get your notes in order. Make sure you have them dated, in order, and organized within each day. Recopy some if necessary. Borrow a classmate’s notes if you are absent or weren’t able to get all the information down on paper.

5. Some people find it useful to take notes from the book. If you do this, summarize the main points and categorize information by headings. Most books provide clues about main points by highlighting key terms or phrases.

6. Look over all the material (books, notes, handouts, etc.) to see what information will be covered. Also look at any review sheets the teacher gave out.

7. Work out any practice problems that are available in the book or in your notes.

8. Relate the information that you are learning to what you already know from experience.

9. When studying for the test, it might be helpful to break the sessions into smaller segments of one or two hour segments. After you have worked hard for a period of time, take a few minutes to get up and stretch, get a drink, or walk around.

10. If you find that you’re cramming at the last minute, try to focus on the information that you know less well rather than on what you already have a firm grasp of. This way you can cover more of the material that you might see on the test.

Source: Arizona Parent and Educational Resource Center.