This review of the literature examines the effectiveness of instructing students in various test-taking strategies, particularly in reference to multiple choice questions. Among findings reported are that while test-wiseness strategies may be taught, these strategies have limited generalizability across exams and learners who proactively process…

This study was designed to answer two questions: (1) Can cognitive strategies to increase testwiseness be taught? and (2) Can such strategies be generalized? Strategies presented were: length of option, middle range, similarity or oppositeness, and deduction. The answer to the first question was affirmative, and the second a qualified…

This study used a seven-stage instructional methodology to successfully teach a comprehensive test-taking strategy to six secondary learning-disabled students. Evidence of maintenance and generalization is reported. In the second article, answers are presented to questions about strategy training in general and this study in particular. (Author/DB)

This study examined the effectiveness of PLAE (Preplan List, Activate, and Evaluate) in training students to have executive control over their learning strategies. Subjects, 56 at-risk students enrolled in four separate sections of an upper-level study strategies course at a major southern university, received intensive, direct instruction in…

School psychologists face the challenge of completing standardized, multiple choice tests for professional development in order to meet the competency standards set by organizations and regulatory agencies. Research has indicted that adequate preparation in test-taking skills can significantly improve attitudes toward test taking and actual…

Lists and discusses the functions that cooperative quizzes can serve if structured correctly. The quizzes can facilitate a greater understanding of the subject, promote better test-taking skills, and be used as a mechanism to foster cooperative groups. (DDR)

Noting that students must at some point begin to assume responsibility for their own learning to become mature, independent members of society, this pamphlet is designed to help students get started in taking studying seriously. The pamphlet presents: (1) 7 suggestions on when to study; (2) 6 ideas on where to study; (3) 13 suggestions on what to…

This guide provides an outline of the information and techniques covered on an audiotape developed to help students lower their test anxiety. First, a rationale for the development of the test anxiety materials is provided and the use of these materials at Lane Community College is discussed. Next, a detailed outline of the material is provided,…

Seventy-four introductory psychology students were subjects in a study evaluating the impact of cooperative interactions during studying and test taking. Results indicated that cooperative study training affects performance favorably. Cooperative test-taking training also affected recall performance favorably, for the amount of information…

This guide provides a summary of the information and suggestions covered on an audiotape designed to help students prepare for and take tests. First, introductory material presents a rationale for the development of the testing skills materials and a discussion of their use at Lane Community College. Next, the objectives of the tape are specified…

Test-taking skills should be part of learning-disabled students' instruction. Student performance on previous tests should be analyzed to determine lack of information, carelessness, misinterpretation, material not studied, or incorrect reading. Notetaking techniques, language problems, and special problems presented by essay tests and math tests…

The article provides an overview of the study skill proficiency (or lack of it) of students with learning disabilities followed by the presentation of 15 study skill strategies. It concludes with a discussion on the implementation of a study skills program including guidelines. (Author/DB)

This paper outlines recommended test-taking strategies for the self-sufficient learner based on research in cognitive psychology. The theoretical model used is the information-processing approach involving the three essential steps of paying attention, encoding, and framing associative linkages for the new material. Preparing for examinations is…

Extended research on cognitive factors that may differentially underlie test anxiety and academic performance by assessing differences in (a) information-processing strategies used to encode course-work information, (b) degree of belief in one's negative self-statements, (c) Type A behavior, (d) test-taking skills, and (e) unrealistic expectations…

"Tooth and Nail" is a novel that teaches vocabulary for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) in context. Rather than presenting lists of vocabulary words to memorize, the mystery novel presents some 1,200 words, which have appeared in past SATs, in context. The story, about going off to college, features a literacy treasure hunt involving…