To examine the effect of motivational manipulated conditions on students' mathematics scores, elementary students received either ordinary standardized test instructions or special instructions (do as well as possible for themselves, parents, and teachers). Those given special instructions scored significantly higher in the test, implying that…

Reviews major research conducted between 1984 and 1989 on test anxiety among college, concluding that test anxiety may result from long-term memory problems. Explores techniques for reducing test anxiety, assessing the relative validity of each. Proposes a holistic approach to reducing test anxiety that addresses cognitive and emotional…

This author proposes supplemental instruction as a valid practice in any course, for any students, because each course has its idiosyncracies that are best addressed by the instructor. Particular skills to focus supplemental instruction sessions on include text-reading, note-taking, studying, and examination-taking skills. (Author/MLW)

A problem-based learning process in a social studies teacher's classroom encourages students to use their own learning profiles to assess individual test-taking skills, develop and implement strategies to improve performance, and monitor, regulate, and evaluate the success of their adopted methods. AMSOFT computer software divides exam subtexts…

Examines the strategies used in answering a computerized multiple-choice test where all questions on a semantic topic were grouped together or randomly distributed. Findings indicate that students grouped by performance on the test used different strategies in completing the test due to distinct cognitive processes between the groups. (AEF)

Examines determinates of student academic success in a Swedish university using estimates of a proportional-odds model. Finds that students studying previously given examinations, engaging in physical activity up to 6 hours per week, and taking courses in natural and technical sciences in high school play an important role in determining academic…

Integrating up-to-date composition theory with pedagogical research in critical thinking and inquiry, this book presents a flexible organizational structure to accommodate a range of freshman composition course designs and to engage students intellectually in problem-centered writing activities to prepare them for academic tasks across the…

Effects of answer changing on tests by 133 fifth- and sixth-grade students were investigated to determine the degree to which these students changed answers, the extent to which they gained from changing, and the reasons they advanced for the changes. Students were from a predominantly suburban district (n=88) and a predominantly rural district…

A practicum developed a program of study skills to improve grades of ninth and tenth grade students in English and mathematics courses. The project contained three basic components: teacher inservices on study skills techniques in time management, reading textbooks, taking class notes, and preparing for and taking tests; student lessons for…

A study was conducted to determine whether cooperative testing would result in better performance and less anxiety than individual testing. Two sections of a developmental psychology class used cooperative testing, and a third section used traditional testing methods. Four multiple choice tests containing 50 items were administered to each group,…

The study guide is designed for limited-English-proficient immigrants preparing to take the United States history portion of new citizenship test. An introductory section describes the development of the guide and its field testing. The study guide itself is in large type and simplified English, and consists of five chapters, each focusing on a…

Questions about the effectiveness of efforts to increase scores on minimum-competency tests and the appropriateness of their use were answered by teachers, education students, and administrators in Ohio, Georgia, and Texas. The first questionnaire was completed by 59 current teachers and 152 education students, who were asked if 30 listed…

A study was conducted to address the ethical issues inherent in the teaching of test-taking and test-wiseness skills. A survey, consisting of 11 items was developed and given to 62 preservice and 133 inservice teachers. Questions were classified into 3 categories: (1) general test-taking considerations; (2) standardized test-taking procedures; and…

Because analogical reasoning plays a major role in content area reading comprehension, teachers should learn to teach analogy-solving skills and to identify the kinds of difficulties some elementary students will have in solving them. Analogies are statements of relationships wherein one term is similar to another term. Relationships in analogy…

A computer program was developed to increase GED test candidate's level of test taking skills, knowledge of algebra and geometry, and self-confidence for the GED Mathematics Test. The computer program was developed and written, then implementation was administered by three teachers in a GED study center. Two math scores were used to determine the…