Describes a study designed to determine if the amount of time allocated for answering multiple true/false type questions affects the grades of the medical students taking the tests. Students who had 2-1/4 minutes to answer each question scored significantly better than those who had 1-1/2 minutes or 3 minutes. (TW)

Despite educators' well-founded misgivings about standardized multiple-choice testing, this practice is firmly entrenched in American life. One of educators' major responsibilities is preparing students to make wise choices in school and the "real world." With college and career opportunities hinging on standardized test scores, schools are…

A study of 26 college seniors used introspective and retrospective interviewing to assess cognitive processes used during multiple-choice reading comprehension tests. Categories of processing identified included an overall approach to the test task, reading strategies, and test-taking strategies. (TJH)

The effectiveness of a teacher-implemented psychological health program designed to improve students' test coping skills in the classroom was tested using 497 Israeli fifth and sixth graders. The cognitive training program significantly improved performance on three cognitive measures, although it negligibly affected test anxiety scores. (SLD)

A mathematical model is proposed to describe how group differences in distributions of abilities, which are distinct from the target ability, influence the probability of a correct item response. In the multidimensional approach, differential item functioning is considered a function of the educational histories of the examinees. (SLD)

Several available summaries of research on coaching for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) are described, and their principal findings are discussed. Several additional studies are reviewed, and their findings are related to the summaries. Overall, the effects of coaching may be less than many students suppose. (SLD)

Investigated the test-taking processes of English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) testees taking a multiple choice listening-comprehension test, evaluating the effectiveness of immediate retrospection for accessing such processes. Linguistic and non-linguistic knowledge was activated in a parallel manner for all subjects with input of various…

Describes a one-semester ninth grade developmental reading class that includes speed reading, study, and test-taking strategies. Provides a rate building and study skills bibliography. (HOD)

From a survey of Arizona teachers/administrators and observations in two elementary schools concerning the role of external testing, a typology of teacher orientation toward preparing students to take high-stakes achievement tests is identified. Eight categories of teachers' approaches are contrasted with meanings of test preparation held by other…

Presents a method of transforming 15 mathematics students' questions expressing confusion and frustration into activities that (1) engage the hidden meaning behind the question; (2) open the dialog with students, and (3) provide a chance to interact with students on crucial issues of what is at stake in learning mathematics. (MDH)

Describes the evolution of Howe's teaching style from a reliance on textbooks and lectures to the active involvement of students in the learning process. Stresses the importance of teaching transferable skills, such as writing and test-taking, and building an active learning environment which focuses on process as well as content. (GEA)

After adjusting for different background characteristics of students, effects on test scores were related to the length and type of test coaching programs offered. The data suggest that the test item types in the Graduate Record Examination General Test appear to show little susceptibility to formal coaching experiences. (Author/DWH)

The 55 medical students from the University of Alabama who used a commercial test-coaching company's services to prepare for the National Board of Medical Examiners Part I examination scored significantly higher than students with comparable basic science grade-point averages. The impact of such coaching on licensure is discussed. (Author/JMD)

Reviews aspects of our cultural environment that have changed over the past half century and that may significantly affect children's intellectual development. Positive influences include increased student and parental education attainment, decreased family size, increased family resources, and shifts in parenting style. One negative factor is…

The influence of test wiseness on the performance of 736 high school seniors in British Columbia on provincial school leaving examinations in English, algebra, geography, history, biology, and chemistry was studied. The performance of many students on the multiple-choice sections was spuriously enhanced by test wiseness. (TJH)