There comes a time when every test must actually begin. After all the practice and preparation, it is time to actually begin the test. Here are a few strategies you can use during the test to help you succeed.
1. When the teacher or proctor tells you to begin, simply start taking the test. Take your time, even though it may feel like everyone is rushing.
2. If you do not know the answer to a problem or even where to begin, skip it and move on. But, make sure you put a little mark on your answer sheet to remind you that you need to come back to this question. Plus, it will help you keep from bubbling in your answer sheet incorrectly.
3. If you work out the problem but do not see your answer as one of the choices, then you need a guessing strategy. First, make sure you read the question correctly. You may have solved for the incorrect variable, or something like that. Then, see if you can eliminate some of the choices (like those that do not logically make sense). If it is a math problem, see if you can plug in the choices and see which ones work.
4. Finally, when the test is complete and you have checked over all of your answers, take some time and reflect on the test. Ask yourself what went well or what I could improve when preparing for the next test.
If you need help preparing for the AIMS test, please visit our website, http://www.laurussoft.com/.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Tip #9 - GET YOUR GAME FACE ON
Think about a performer in a theater production. The performer does not show up 5 minutes before the production, walk on stage, and start delivering the lines. There are certain things performers do to be ready for the big production. They need to put on their costumes and make-up, warm up their voices, and check for any last-minute changes to the script. Likewise, when it comes down the day of the test, there are certain strategies you can use to help you perform well on the test.
1. Get to the testing location early. This way, if there is any problem on the way to the test, you will have some extra time to deal with the problem. For instance, if all of the lead broke off your pencils, you have time to sharpen your pencils without being in a frantic hurry.
2. When you arrive at school, go to your classroom that you are taking the test in early. Again, you want to make sure everything is ready for you to do well. You will see your friends after the test. Also, sometimes talking with people about the test can cause some unnecessary stress.
3. Get focused on the test. Remind yourself that you are ready for this test. Remind yourself how much preparation you put into this test.
If you need help preparing for the AIMS test, please visit our website, http://www.laurussoft.com/.
1. Get to the testing location early. This way, if there is any problem on the way to the test, you will have some extra time to deal with the problem. For instance, if all of the lead broke off your pencils, you have time to sharpen your pencils without being in a frantic hurry.
2. When you arrive at school, go to your classroom that you are taking the test in early. Again, you want to make sure everything is ready for you to do well. You will see your friends after the test. Also, sometimes talking with people about the test can cause some unnecessary stress.
3. Get focused on the test. Remind yourself that you are ready for this test. Remind yourself how much preparation you put into this test.
If you need help preparing for the AIMS test, please visit our website, http://www.laurussoft.com/.
Tip #8 - HOW YOU PRACTICE IS HOW YOU PLAY
"How you practice is how you play" is an important saying in any field, whether sports, acting, music, or even testing. It is easy to see the relevance of this saying in sports. For example, a football team does not practice for 20 minutes each day and expect to be ready for the game. The players do not jog during every practice. No, football teams practice for several hours each day and they run full-speed every time they get the chance. They do this because that is what the game is going to be like.
Likewise, you need to practice for tests using a similar mindset. There are several strategies that will help you practice in such a way that you will be ready for game day (or test day).
1. Teams practice in a similar environment that the games are going to be played in. So, do the same thing. Sit at a desk or table. This is what you will be doing during your test, so practice it. Do not study relaxed in your bed or in a big comfortable recliner. You want your body to know that when you are sitting at a desk, it is time to study.
2. Football teams do not practice baseball or basketball. They practice football. Likewise, practice what is going to be on the test. Know what the test is going to be like. The test is going to consist of working out problems. Therefore, you need to practice working out problems, not just looking at how problems are worked out. Take several practice tests completely. Get the feeling of how long it is going to take to complete the test.
3. Football teams practice their "2-minute drill" or how to try to score quickly in the case that they are losing and the game is almost over. Likewise, practice getting stuck and working your way through it. Keep practicing the steps you use to get through getting stuck. For example, if you get stuck, your first step could be to skip the problem and come back to it. When you come back to the problem, you might be able to answer it because you have seen a similar problem to it. If not, you can cancel out some of the choices and make an educated guess. Make this process of working through getting stuck a habit so that if you do get stuck on a test, you do not have to think about it. Your mind already does what it has been trained to do.
If you need help preparing for the AIMS test, please visit our website, http://www.laurussoft.com/.
Likewise, you need to practice for tests using a similar mindset. There are several strategies that will help you practice in such a way that you will be ready for game day (or test day).
1. Teams practice in a similar environment that the games are going to be played in. So, do the same thing. Sit at a desk or table. This is what you will be doing during your test, so practice it. Do not study relaxed in your bed or in a big comfortable recliner. You want your body to know that when you are sitting at a desk, it is time to study.
2. Football teams do not practice baseball or basketball. They practice football. Likewise, practice what is going to be on the test. Know what the test is going to be like. The test is going to consist of working out problems. Therefore, you need to practice working out problems, not just looking at how problems are worked out. Take several practice tests completely. Get the feeling of how long it is going to take to complete the test.
3. Football teams practice their "2-minute drill" or how to try to score quickly in the case that they are losing and the game is almost over. Likewise, practice getting stuck and working your way through it. Keep practicing the steps you use to get through getting stuck. For example, if you get stuck, your first step could be to skip the problem and come back to it. When you come back to the problem, you might be able to answer it because you have seen a similar problem to it. If not, you can cancel out some of the choices and make an educated guess. Make this process of working through getting stuck a habit so that if you do get stuck on a test, you do not have to think about it. Your mind already does what it has been trained to do.
If you need help preparing for the AIMS test, please visit our website, http://www.laurussoft.com/.
Tip #7 - BE PREPARED
We are going to take advice from the Boy Scouts of America and make sure that we are always prepared, at least when it comes to taking the test. There are some strategies you can do that do not require any brain power. Yet, these strategies will help you become a better test-taker. These are all to be done the night before the test.
1. Have your supplies ready to go. Have a few sharpened pencils, preferably full length. No little stubby pencils that cannot even fit into a pencil sharpener. Have some scratch paper. If you are allowed to use a calculator, make sure the batteries have plenty of power. If it is a long test, bring something to snack on, if food is permitted.
2. Make sure your alarm is set. Also, have a back-up alarm as well. Have a friend call you to make sure you are up. If your mom wakes you up, make sure she does not let you sleep a little extra for good luck. You can always take a nap later.
3. Pre-plan what you are going to wear. In other words, choose an outfit the night before so you do not have to think about it the morning of the test, in case you are in a hurry.
4. Pre-plan breakfast. Know the night before what you are going to have for breakfast and make sure it is ready to be consumed in the morning.
If you need help preparing for the AIMS test, please visit our website, http://www.laurussoft.com/.
1. Have your supplies ready to go. Have a few sharpened pencils, preferably full length. No little stubby pencils that cannot even fit into a pencil sharpener. Have some scratch paper. If you are allowed to use a calculator, make sure the batteries have plenty of power. If it is a long test, bring something to snack on, if food is permitted.
2. Make sure your alarm is set. Also, have a back-up alarm as well. Have a friend call you to make sure you are up. If your mom wakes you up, make sure she does not let you sleep a little extra for good luck. You can always take a nap later.
3. Pre-plan what you are going to wear. In other words, choose an outfit the night before so you do not have to think about it the morning of the test, in case you are in a hurry.
4. Pre-plan breakfast. Know the night before what you are going to have for breakfast and make sure it is ready to be consumed in the morning.
If you need help preparing for the AIMS test, please visit our website, http://www.laurussoft.com/.
Tip #6 - HEAD GAMES
There is more to taking a test than just knowing the material. Many students know the material, but when the test day comes, they freeze up mentally and end up not performing well on the test. You need to be able to control your mind and prevent it from freezing up and playing these "head games" with you.
Here are a few strategies to help prevent losing in these head games.
1. Keep a positive attitude when going into the test. Do not think in terms how hard the test is going to be. Instead, think in terms of how prepared you are for the test. Remind yourself how much you practiced for this test and you are going to do well on it.
2. If you do not know how to do a problem, use the reference sheet that is provided. This will help trigger your mind to remember the practice problems you did.
3. Be aware that it is possible that you may get stuck on a problem that your mind might start going down the path of negative thoughts. If that happens, do not worry. Just close your eyes and take 5 or 6 deep breaths. Think about your breathing as you do this. This takes your mind off of the negative thoughts.
4. Focus on yourself. Do not worry about what other people are doing. If people start turning in their tests and you are only in the middle of the test, that is FINE! Do not assume that they all knew what they were doing and you do not. You take as much time as you need. Besides, once you turn your test in, you cannot double check any of your work.
If you need help preparing for the AIMS test, please visit our website, http://www.laurussoft.com/.
Here are a few strategies to help prevent losing in these head games.
1. Keep a positive attitude when going into the test. Do not think in terms how hard the test is going to be. Instead, think in terms of how prepared you are for the test. Remind yourself how much you practiced for this test and you are going to do well on it.
2. If you do not know how to do a problem, use the reference sheet that is provided. This will help trigger your mind to remember the practice problems you did.
3. Be aware that it is possible that you may get stuck on a problem that your mind might start going down the path of negative thoughts. If that happens, do not worry. Just close your eyes and take 5 or 6 deep breaths. Think about your breathing as you do this. This takes your mind off of the negative thoughts.
4. Focus on yourself. Do not worry about what other people are doing. If people start turning in their tests and you are only in the middle of the test, that is FINE! Do not assume that they all knew what they were doing and you do not. You take as much time as you need. Besides, once you turn your test in, you cannot double check any of your work.
If you need help preparing for the AIMS test, please visit our website, http://www.laurussoft.com/.
Tip #5 - SDRAWKCAB KROW
The key to this tip is to think a little bit differently than you are used to thinking. For example, you are used to starting with the problem and trying to work towards the one correct answer. What if you looked at it from a different view? Look at the tip in the opposite direction. What does it say? (WORK BACKWARDS)
With some math questions, you might not be sure how to work out a problem or where to start in order to get the solution. If that is the case, try taking the possible solutions from the multiple choice part and plug them into the equation. Whichever choice makes the equation true (the left side of the equals sign is the same as the right side) is the correct answer. So, even if you blank on how to solve a problem, you can always approach it from another angle, especially if it is multiple choice.
If you need help preparing for the AIMS test, please visit our website, http://www.laurussoft.com/.
With some math questions, you might not be sure how to work out a problem or where to start in order to get the solution. If that is the case, try taking the possible solutions from the multiple choice part and plug them into the equation. Whichever choice makes the equation true (the left side of the equals sign is the same as the right side) is the correct answer. So, even if you blank on how to solve a problem, you can always approach it from another angle, especially if it is multiple choice.
If you need help preparing for the AIMS test, please visit our website, http://www.laurussoft.com/.
Tip #4 - LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Just as location is important in business, location is also important during test-taking.
Let me expand on this thought. In business, you want to make sure your business is located in an area that will allow you to be successful. For example, you would not want to open a farm equipment repair shop in the downtown Phoenix, since there are not many farms close to downtown Phoenix.
Likewise, you want to make sure where you sit in the room that you are taking the math portion of the AIMS test will allow you to be successful. There is not a "best seat in the house" to sit, but there are definitely better areas to sit, especially if you get distracted easily.
1. Avoid sitting by the teacher's desk if you are easily distracted! If the teacher's desk is located in the front of the class, you will find that any time students have a question, they will go up to the teacher's desk. There might be a couple of people at the teacher's desk at one time, and this could be very distracting.
2. Avoid sitting by the entry way if you are easily distracted!- People may be walking into the classroom during the test. This could be very distracting.
3. Avoid sitting facing windows if you are easily distracted!- If you are facing a window and there is a lot of action happening, it can be very distracting.
4. Avoid sitting under the air conditioning vents if you are get cold easily! It can be difficult to concentrate on the AIMS math test if you are shivering.
5. Avoid sitting by students you know might distract you! If your friends like to talk, or you know someone that did not study and he or she might want you to tell them answers, do not sit by them.
Every time you get distracted, you have to re-focus your brain to concentrate on the task at-hand, which is passing the AIMS math test.
Now, these areas may not be distracting to all students. If you do not get distracted in a certain area, then by all means, sit there.
These locations are just suggestions. There is no guarantee that if you sit in a distracting area, you will not do well. Likewise, there is no guarantee that if you do not sit in a distracting area, you will do well. Your goal is to set yourself up for the greatest chance for success!
If you would like help preparing for the math portion of the AIMS test, we are running a special for $14.95 you get complete online access to our MyLaurus program through April 1, 2009. Visit http://www.laurussoft.com/ to purchase your subscription today!
Let me expand on this thought. In business, you want to make sure your business is located in an area that will allow you to be successful. For example, you would not want to open a farm equipment repair shop in the downtown Phoenix, since there are not many farms close to downtown Phoenix.
Likewise, you want to make sure where you sit in the room that you are taking the math portion of the AIMS test will allow you to be successful. There is not a "best seat in the house" to sit, but there are definitely better areas to sit, especially if you get distracted easily.
1. Avoid sitting by the teacher's desk if you are easily distracted! If the teacher's desk is located in the front of the class, you will find that any time students have a question, they will go up to the teacher's desk. There might be a couple of people at the teacher's desk at one time, and this could be very distracting.
2. Avoid sitting by the entry way if you are easily distracted!- People may be walking into the classroom during the test. This could be very distracting.
3. Avoid sitting facing windows if you are easily distracted!- If you are facing a window and there is a lot of action happening, it can be very distracting.
4. Avoid sitting under the air conditioning vents if you are get cold easily! It can be difficult to concentrate on the AIMS math test if you are shivering.
5. Avoid sitting by students you know might distract you! If your friends like to talk, or you know someone that did not study and he or she might want you to tell them answers, do not sit by them.
Every time you get distracted, you have to re-focus your brain to concentrate on the task at-hand, which is passing the AIMS math test.
Now, these areas may not be distracting to all students. If you do not get distracted in a certain area, then by all means, sit there.
These locations are just suggestions. There is no guarantee that if you sit in a distracting area, you will not do well. Likewise, there is no guarantee that if you do not sit in a distracting area, you will do well. Your goal is to set yourself up for the greatest chance for success!
If you would like help preparing for the math portion of the AIMS test, we are running a special for $14.95 you get complete online access to our MyLaurus program through April 1, 2009. Visit http://www.laurussoft.com/ to purchase your subscription today!
Tip #3 - IMPORTANT MATH EQUATION TO REMEMBER
As you are preparing for the math portion of the AIMS test, here is a very important equation to remember the morning of the AIMS math test.
HAPPY BELLY = HAPPY TESTING
So, to make this equation true for you, here are a few pointers on what to eat and what not to eat the morning of the AIMS math test.
1. Make sure you have a healthy, well-balanced breakfast the morning of the AIMS test. Avoid eating greasy food or huge portions if you do not typically have a large breakfast. You do not want your digestive tracts disagreeing with you during the AIMS math test.
2. Do not eat too many sugary foods. This may cause you to have a "sugar low" in the middle of the AIMS math test.
3. Bring a snack (if allowed to eat in the classroom)! Make sure the snack is easy to eat. Do not bring a snack that will make a lot of noise or make a mess while eating it (e.g., potato chips in a cellophane wrapper). Also, do not bring a snack that will stink up the room you are taking the AIMS test in (e.g., onion bagel and lox).
4. Bring a bottle of water just in case you get thirsty.
If you need help preparing for the math portion of the AIMS test, you can visit LaurusSoft's website by clicking here.
HAPPY BELLY = HAPPY TESTING
So, to make this equation true for you, here are a few pointers on what to eat and what not to eat the morning of the AIMS math test.
1. Make sure you have a healthy, well-balanced breakfast the morning of the AIMS test. Avoid eating greasy food or huge portions if you do not typically have a large breakfast. You do not want your digestive tracts disagreeing with you during the AIMS math test.
2. Do not eat too many sugary foods. This may cause you to have a "sugar low" in the middle of the AIMS math test.
3. Bring a snack (if allowed to eat in the classroom)! Make sure the snack is easy to eat. Do not bring a snack that will make a lot of noise or make a mess while eating it (e.g., potato chips in a cellophane wrapper). Also, do not bring a snack that will stink up the room you are taking the AIMS test in (e.g., onion bagel and lox).
4. Bring a bottle of water just in case you get thirsty.
If you need help preparing for the math portion of the AIMS test, you can visit LaurusSoft's website by clicking here.
Tip #2 - GET SOME SLEEP
Make sure you get a full 8 to 9 hours of sleep at least TWO consecutive nights before the test!
You want to get a good night sleep at least TWO nights before the AIMS test.
Most people have heard that you should get a good night sleep the night before the test. But, if you stay up all night the night before that, your body and brain will not be well-rested. So, as you are preparing for the math portion of the AIMS test, please make sure you get plenty of rest!
If you need a resource to help you prepare for the math portion of the AIMS test, you can visit our website at http://www.laurussoft.com/.
You want to get a good night sleep at least TWO nights before the AIMS test.
Most people have heard that you should get a good night sleep the night before the test. But, if you stay up all night the night before that, your body and brain will not be well-rested. So, as you are preparing for the math portion of the AIMS test, please make sure you get plenty of rest!
If you need a resource to help you prepare for the math portion of the AIMS test, you can visit our website at http://www.laurussoft.com/.
Tip #1 - DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Believe it or not, something as simple as how you dress could help you be successful on the math portion of the AIMS test. So, as you are preparing for the AIMS math test, remember to Dress for Success!
Here are a few pointers for what to wear and what not to wear:
1. Dress comfortably!
Even though it might be warm in April in Arizona, the classrooms might be cold. Make sure you bring a jacket, sweater, or something to keep you warm. Your brain needs all of the the blood and all of the oxygen it can get for the test. If your body is too busy trying to stay warm, your brain is not getting that oxygen.
2. Do not wear distracting jewelry!
You do not want jewelry clanking around on the desk as you are taking the test. For example, a watch that is too big or several bracelets can make a lot of noise as you are trying to fill in a bubble sheet. So, for your own sake (and the people sitting next to you), do not wear loose fitting jewelry.
3. Wear clothes that fit!
Do not wear clothes that are too tight or too loose. The more distracted you are with fidgeting with your clothes, the less your brain can concentrate on the task at hand, which is PASSING the AIMS math test.
Stay tuned for more test-taking strategies! If you are preparing for the math portion of the AIMS test and would like some help, visit our website by clicking here.
Here are a few pointers for what to wear and what not to wear:
1. Dress comfortably!
Even though it might be warm in April in Arizona, the classrooms might be cold. Make sure you bring a jacket, sweater, or something to keep you warm. Your brain needs all of the the blood and all of the oxygen it can get for the test. If your body is too busy trying to stay warm, your brain is not getting that oxygen.
2. Do not wear distracting jewelry!
You do not want jewelry clanking around on the desk as you are taking the test. For example, a watch that is too big or several bracelets can make a lot of noise as you are trying to fill in a bubble sheet. So, for your own sake (and the people sitting next to you), do not wear loose fitting jewelry.
3. Wear clothes that fit!
Do not wear clothes that are too tight or too loose. The more distracted you are with fidgeting with your clothes, the less your brain can concentrate on the task at hand, which is PASSING the AIMS math test.
Stay tuned for more test-taking strategies! If you are preparing for the math portion of the AIMS test and would like some help, visit our website by clicking here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
