Study Tips

Test Taking Tips for Parents

The following tips will provide suggestions for parents on how to approach test taking with their kids.

Make sure that your child does all their homework and reading assignments which will help make sure your child is prepared for the test.
Encourage your child to space out their studying and homework assignments so that they won't be forced to cram on the night before the test.
If you are anxious about your child's test it's ok, but try to keep cool around your child, you don't want them to get anxious about their tests too.
Encourage your child to do well but don't pressure him/her. You may stress him/her out. It is important for your child to stay relaxed on the test.
Keep a positive attitude about tests.
Provide a quiet, well lighted area with little distractions to help your child study efficiently.
Mark down test days on your calendar so you and your child are both aware of testing dates.
Make sure that your child gets enough sleep on the night before the test.
Ensure that your child eats a healthy breakfast and avoid heavy foods that may make him/her groggy and avoid high sugar foods that may make him/her hyper.
Make sure that your child gets up early enough so that he/she will be on time to school.
Let your child relax for a few hours before bedtime, it can be stressful for a child to study all night.
Talking about the test with your child can relieve stress about test taking.
If your child is struggling on their tests, talk to them about it and meet with their teacher to find out the best way to help your child.
Praise/reward your child when they do well on a test or for their hard work preparing for a test.
Encourage them to do better if they don't do well.
Review the test with your child after they have taken it and go over any mistakes they have made and make sure that they understand what they did wrong and how they can improve for the next test.

Study Tips & Study Skills

Students with better study methods and strategies score higher on their exams.
Everyone is different, different methods work for different people the following are only suggestions on improving upon your current studying techniques.
It is best to review the material right after class when it's still fresh in your memory.
Don't try to do all you’re studying the night before the test. Instead space out your studying, review class materials at least several times a week, focusing on one topic at a time.
Have all of your study material in front of you: lecture notes, course textbooks, study guides and any other relevant material.
Find a comfortable and quiet place to study with good lighting and little distractions (try avoiding your own bed; it is very tempting to just lie down and take a nap).
Start out by studying the most important information.
Learn the general concepts first, don't worry about learning the details until you have learned the main ideas.
Take notes and write down a summary of the important ideas as you read through your study material.
Take short breaks frequently. Your memory retains the information that you study at the beginning and the end better than what you study in the middle.
Space out your studying, you'll learn more by studying a little every day instead of waiting to cram at the last minute. By studying every day, the material will stay in your long-term memory but if you try to study at the last moment, the material will only reside in your short-term memory that you'll easily forget.
Make sure that you understand the material well, don't just read through the material and try to memorize everything.
If you choose to study in a group, only study with others who are serious about the test.
Test yourself or have someone test you on the material to find out what your weak and strong areas are. You can use the review questions at the end of each chapter or practice tests the teacher may give out as well as other materials.
Listening to relaxing music such as classical or jazz on a low volume can relieve some of the boredom of studying.
Don't study later than the time you usually go to sleep, you may fall asleep or be tempted to go to sleep, instead try studying in the afternoon or early evening. If you are a morning person try studying in the morning.