Comments on: ANYONE HAVE ANY TEST-TAKING TIPS OR STUDY STRATEGIES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS?

By: Ken B

Ken B — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:11:19 +0000

Psychology tells us that the human brain struggles to retrieve information that is stored under one mood, unless that mood is repeated. This is the crux of “test anxiety.” I get nervous about the test, then can’t seem to remember anything, that makes me more nervous, and the ball is rolling.
I teach my students this method that I learned several years ago in the Naval Nuclear Power School. This method is BEHC. I still use this method today.
The initials stand for Breath, Easy, Hard, Check.
The steps are simple and the psychology is sound.
1) Write BEHC on the top of the test.
2) Breath–Close your eyes and take 10 slow and easy breaths. This will clam the heart rate and help the student relax.
3) Find and do the easy questions–performing these will build the confidence and make the harder questions seem easier.
4) Tackle the harder questions-Now that the student BELIEVES that they can do this.
5) If time allows, check for errors-But don’t change an answer unless you are certain that it is wrong.

By: BDZot

BDZot — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:11:19 +0000

Test taking: your first impulse is usually right. We tend more to talk ourselves out correct answers.

By: Adelaide

Adelaide — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:11:19 +0000

a good way that has always worked for me is to, instead of frantic last minute studying, she could review nightly to help her brain get used to the new information. also when reviewing facts say them out loud, it helps the brain remember better. last but not least i would defiantly encourage her to go ask her teacher for some after/before school studying to help with the facts she needs to learn more about.

By: Katie C

Katie C — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:11:19 +0000

I believe one of the best ways to learn anything is to use flashcards. Write a question on the front and an answer on the back or write a word on the front or a definition on the back. Have your niece just keep going through them. The best way is to split the pile up and work on them over several days. Good Luck!