In this chapter we discuss how to help our middle schoolers grow into confident learners. Knowing that standardized tests raise students' anxiety, what do you do as a teacher to calm their fears and make them more confident?
I tell students to try their very best and as long as they are giving 100% then that is all that really matters. I use Benchmarks, practice tests, and activities to strengthen skills and hopefully build student confidence. If a student is doing poorly but putting forth effort, I try to find something in his/her work to highlight in a positive manner.
I feel that if students can create something in class related to that particular subject area, they will become more confident. I allow my student to write their own short stories, especially when we are learning new concepts. Creating a short story that uses these concepts does make students more confident.
I try to encourage students to do their best and if they don't know an answer then it is not the end of the world. I try to make them see that they need to relax and try hard. There is always going to be something on there they don't know.
This is an ongoing battle, because teachers also get anxious. If we put less emphasis on the test and more on learning, students will feel more confident when taking test. It might also help to educate parents more about the test. They tend to put pressure on their children.
YVONNE LOCKLEAR SAID>>>>>> I tell the kids that it is just one test in their entire life. I tell them "Of course you need to try your best because that is all anyone can ask of you." I also tell them that they know way more than they give themselves credit for. When a student asks me a question ( or tells me they do not know something) I start asking them questions back to probe them to get the answer from them. 90% of the time the kids already know the answer to the question they came to ask. So them I praise them and say see you do know. You are smart. You can do it. And I agree with Ms McGarity many parents tend to over emphasize the EOGs and this puts tons of pressure on the children. So we do need to educate our parents as well.
I asked my own daughter how to reduce student anxieties. She said, "I don't like my teachers to talk about it." From my experience as a parent, I believe that students' anxiety is directly related to the number of times we, as teachers, say "End-of-Grade test." Repetition makes the test seem a huge hurdle. I am going to try to let them know that they are prepared to do well without making their success as 8th grade students dependent on one test. It is a series of small steps, discipline in study, excitement about learning, and the process of teaching and studying throughout the whole year that enable students to pass. Reassuring them that if they are diligent in each step and give 100%, they will meet the demands of the test. Also, I think we underestimate the necessity of refreshing students' test taking skills -- taking a standardized test is a skill in itself. Let's take some time in our daily curriculum to review "how you answer a multiple choice question." Also we can never let up on asking them to read for critical information.
I try not to focus on the test. I let my kids know that I will teach them what they will need to know if they will let me. Most of my classroom tests are as tough or tougher than the standardized tests, therefore in the end, the EOG will not be as difficult as what they have already seen and been successful doing. I reassure them all the time that they can be successful as long as they give me their best each day and not to worry about this one test at the end of the year. I also make sure that I have covered and recovered each and everything in my curriculum to make them feel at ease that they know it!
I agree with Mrs. Rosamond that as long as my students give their best thats all that matters. Students need to also feel relaxed when they take their tests because they are most likely to do their best. - Mandy Barriger
The bottom line is if students are prepared they will do well. I started college when I was forty seven years old. I had four and one half years to get it done. I stressed over every test I took. I knew I could not afford ($$$$) to fail a semester. I made one "C" in four and one half years. I studied and prepared to the best of my ability. I was scared to death of failure. Preparation builds confidence that lowers stress. Also, I would tell them to pray and ask the Lord for help. I did.
Julie Eudy says: After reading all the comments above, I honestly don't have much "new" to add. I absolutely agree with Mr. Erkman: the more we talk about the EOGs as if they are the "end all and be all" the more anxious students get. I vary my ways and means of assessment as do almost all of us and work to focus on what students do right as often as possible.
Testing is a very stressful time for all students. I try to tell the students that everyone is feeling the same feelings, anxiety. I also say that it is highly umlikely that anyone will make a perfect score. I go over test taking skills with the students. I also go over different techniques and exercises they can do to calm any feelings of anxiety they may have. I think it is also important for them to know that we also feel some feelings of anxiety to, even though we are not testing.
I have always tried to relate to the students that the EOG's is not a test to see what they don't know but an opportunity to show what they do know. I feel it is all about their perspective when it comes to taking standardized tests. I try to award my kids for effort as much as accuracy for I feel it is much more important in the long run. All anyone can ask for is their best! If they learned to put forth the effort the success will follow.
Like everyone else, I do tell my students that it is only one test grade. I stress to them that I know how wonderful they are and that they are smarter than one grade alone could ever determine. I also teach them strategies that will help them be successful on the test. One activity that they really like is to sing the text in their head when they get bored with reading. You can’t really sing the words without paying attention to what you are saying – so the plan is when they start drifting off, they go back to where they lost track and put the words to their favorite music. This is harder than taking the actual test, but it is rather amusing. It is really funny when you see a kid’s head bobbing up and down during a test!
I give daily quizzes, however, I average their daily grades for a weekly quiz grade. This helps build their confidence in that if they didn't do well on one quiz that doesn't mean that they blew their entire grade. For the end of grade test, I try to constantly review through my quizzes and tests so that they are really confident come test day. Also, playing review games helps with the test stress. Students had much rather review with a game than a worksheet.
There is no EOG test in my class so I dont have to deal with much of the stress in my room. I do teach test taking skills to my students and hope they can apply those skills to the EOGs they have to take in other classes. Students understand what those tests mean, and stress in a natural reaction. All we can do is to provide the skills needed to give students the highest chance of success.
Like everyone else, I let them know that it is just one test. I teach them strategies throughout the year to use with the EOG test and all of their other tests.I agree with Jason that we as teachers need to continually review their test taking skills so that they feel more confident when they take the EOG or other tests.
I like to mix the type of lessons I deliver. Therefore students can experience success in different ways. As they experience success, their confidence builds. I also like to encourage them to share their ides. If they are wrong, I keep my tone polite and say something less upsetting than simply "no". I like to say something along the lines of "that's an interresting idea, lets think of it in a different way. are there other ideas?". This way the child who was "wrong" can also share other ideas if they'd like. For testing skills, I like to bring those into content test review. Also, I allow my students to look at tests again and write out the correct answers. I do teach my students breathing tricks for refocusing and calming the nerves. It would be so flattering to think that a few of them may be able to apply breathing techniques when they want to calm down or focus well on tests. I think the most imprtant fact has been pointed out: try your best. That's all anyone should ever really worry about...
I first try to call on a student that I know has the answer. Each one will have a right answer at some point even if I have to make a question work.Wink Wink. If a student has a hard time answering I will ask who would like to help, and there is always those students too. I also have many grades so 1 or 2 bad grades wont hurt their average.
I first try to call on a student that I know has the answer. Each one will have a right answer at some point even if I have to make a question work.Wink Wink. If a student has a hard time answering I will ask who would like to help, and there is always those students too. I also have many grades so 1 or 2 bad grades wont hurt their average.
Many students are very competent in class, but due to test anxiety have a hard time with the EOG's. I have heard numerous times that they do good until they get to EOG's. I tell them that as long as they do their best, I am happy with that. Also, I encourage improvement, not necessarily a 3 or 4. This seems to make them feel better. They also like knowing that the teacher will not be mad at them if they do not make a 3 or 4. I have found that these things build the confidence they place in themselves.
I try to play games that require students look back in a reading passage and locate the answer to a question. To make it worth the effort, I give a small prize to the first person to raise their hand, and give the paragraph and sentence where they located the answer. I feel that this will help them on the reading part of the "TEST".
I try to get the students not to stress by telling them if they do their best they will be fine. On the day of EOGS I tell them to take all the time they need to. I also stress to relax and focus. I even try to get them to laugh before they start. This helps them to let out some the stress.
2nd try.......When teaching VOCATS supported classes , i have learned that pre and post testing each unit of study really helps. The pre test is made from the test item bank and it will be the same one i give at the end of the unit.Some students did test out on the pre test allowing them to essintially "skip" a unit and work on independent projects. I have also used a "study blitz" in which all questions from each of the units were made into unit study tests. The student would take the test and if they made a "b" or higher they were allowed to move onto the next study test. If they did not pass ,they would keep taking it until they did. This was done at an individual pace and checked by me. It also allowed the lower performing students a chance to pull up their avg, as failing was not an option. This really works, I am no master edumacator, but this strategy did allow my classes to achieve the highest vocats scores in the state in level 1,2,and 3 in welding(by far one of the most difficult classes I have taught in my career, apllied science , physics etc). These were avg students on tech prep path. (it also helps if you have access to the state test item bank.) In my classes now,we do a lot of "open notes" and internet scavenger hunt tests......so if breathing is automatic then you can find success. I Have wondered if open notes tests are a good idea......I think they are because the test itself is another tool to solidify the material in which you are testing for anyway. It also relieves a lot of anxiety. I suppose i like assesments with no surprises.
In class, I always try to make them feel confident in whatever we do. I try to offer them a variety of materials and activities that will engage them. I offer them "knuckle taps" if they come up with a great answer. It's all about them being able to believe in themselves.
Like many before me, I also try to focus less on the EOGs and more on daily lessons. The students are already aware of this test and certainly do not need added stress with teachers constantly reminding them. Through daily practice in class and other activities, I hope their confidence level rises. I will remind them that practice in academics is just as important as practice in music, sports, etc. Giving their best is all anyone can expect,and they should feel proud if they did just that. We also work on test taking skills throughout the year. One suggestion I give them which hopefully lessens the stress while taking the EOGs is to remember to "PICK YOUR NOS" before moving on.
My subject is not tested so I don't have the immediant stress of testing my subject matterhowever,that does not mean that I do not stress test taking skills. I talk to my students and stress to them that the grade is not what I look at, its how you get the grade!It is so hard for me to remember all information given to me. Through repetition comes confidence.I personally think that passing or failing a class should not be bases on one test. Written test are just one of many ways to assess students knowledge.
Data and test scores are obviously needed to measure performance and spur improvement. Because my subject area is not tested my teaching methods are somewhat different. I love doing projects that develop and inspire creativity. I believe project-based learning helps students apply what they learn to real-life experiences and provides an all-around enriching education. When I give tests I try to emphasize the importance of preparation and managing their time. I know that today’s students feel pressured to take tests but it is essential because it not only gives teachers a baseline but it also aids in the development of strategies for success.
I know that when my own two sons were in elementary school, they claimed that the teachers talked about EOGs every day. They also had teachers many times that told them if they failed the EOG they would fail the grade level. This made me know that as a teacher, I would never dwell on the EOGs. I hardly ever mention them. I know its easier because I don't teach tested subjects, but it doesn't help their confidence to think about those tests all the time. I tell students that if they give their best everyday and do what is expected of them, when it comes down to a test they will do fine. If they don't, and as long as they tried their best, it's not the end of the world, and we will cross that bridge when we come to it. Presently, they need to complete projects, writing assignments etc.. that build self confidence and lets them show case what they are learning in a positive successful way.
I think proper preparation is the key to keeping students at ease and feeling confident about taking standardized tests. Students should be reminded that they share the resposibility for their learning. They must remain focused each day so they do not get behind. Each day's material builds upon the next day, and if they are not focused, they might miss certain aspects that would benefit them on their test. Students should be told that their behavior in class can affect learning, and distractions waste valuable time that could be used in making sure that the class has mastered the material to succeed on the test. I believe it was Abraham Lincoln who said, "By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail." Proper preparation is the key to student confidence.
In band, our standardized testing is the public performance. Talk about anxiety provoking! However, preparing and performing a piece of music for the public is a process of development for a budding musician. In my experience, the more a student plays in front of people, the better the musician. (I am not saying we need more test!) Meanwhile, a performance may be high anxiety, but it is also a reward. Perhaps even the highlight of finishing or completing a goal.
It's kind of crazy that for the past 2 months, including today, that the famous question of the day is...When are those nasty EOGs. The word nasty did not come from my mouth but the mouth of my students. Standardized tests are stressful on all teachers and children. The key is keeping that stress his from our students. All any teacher can do is motivate and encourage while also giving the instructional support needed. It would be great if those certain few students who disrupt our class time would realize that if they could control their behavior they too could learn. I like the quote given above by Abraham Lincoln, "By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail." It starts with us to help give students confidence within themselves.
My students have experienced so much failure that they do not try and give their effort. Therefore, my strategies are to build their confidence and show them that they can. I really feel that if they go into any test more confident, they will acheive more.
I spend a week on test taking skills. Take all of the formulas that you need to have memorized for the test and write them 10 times each; make flash cards of each formula with an example of when to use it on the back; hold flash cards above your head to study them; have a family member quiz you on these formulas using your hints; finally, on the day of the quiz, as soon as the teacher tells you to begin: take out that blank page of paper provided for you and write those formulas down to clear your mind. This way they donot have to search their brains for the information and can focus on ONE problem at a time.
I remind them of the typical test taking strategies: do their very best, take their time, highlight or underline key information, and read the question and answers very carefully. Throughout the year I try to give them problems that help them with the types of questions that they may see on the EOG. Suzanne Goble
I discuss with my students that feelings of anxiety are normal. Everyone wants to be successful. I talk about a time in my life when I felt most anxious. Giving a speech in the 6th grade. I was unprepared and it showed. Through discussion I tell them that in order to alleviate these anxious feelings you must prepare yourself as best you can and have confidence in your preparation, and if you can honestly tell yourself that you have taken the time to get prepared then there is no need to feel anxious. You will succeed
I try not to talk about the tests. I only talk about what they need to know for the future (high school). I try to encourage them to let me help them. With their hard work, they will be prepared for the next level. With preparation, I tell them not to worry about the tests. The EOG is probably not as difficult as my classroom tests, and if they have given their all, we shouldn't worry about getting to a certain score. All we can ask from them is to grow as a student.
I tell students to try their very best and as long as they are giving 100% then that is all that really matters. I use Benchmarks, practice tests, and activities to strengthen skills and hopefully build student confidence. If a student is doing poorly but putting forth effort, I try to find something in his/her work to highlight in a positive manner.
ReplyDeleteI feel that if students can create something in class related to that particular subject area, they will become more confident. I allow my student to write their own short stories, especially when we are learning new concepts. Creating a short story that uses these concepts does make students more confident.
ReplyDeleteI try to encourage students to do their best and if they don't know an answer then it is not the end of the world. I try to make them see that they need to relax and try hard. There is always going to be something on there they don't know.
ReplyDeleteThis is an ongoing battle, because teachers also get anxious. If we put less emphasis on the test and more on learning, students will feel more confident when taking test. It might also help to educate parents more about the test. They tend to put pressure on their children.
ReplyDeleteYVONNE LOCKLEAR SAID>>>>>>
ReplyDeleteI tell the kids that it is just one test in their entire life. I tell them "Of course you need to try your best because that is all anyone can ask of you." I also tell them that they know way more than they give themselves credit for. When a student asks me a question ( or tells me they do not know something) I start asking them questions back to probe them to get the answer from them. 90% of the time the kids already know the answer to the question they came to ask. So them I praise them and say see you do know. You are smart. You can do it.
And I agree with Ms McGarity many parents tend to over emphasize the EOGs and this puts tons of pressure on the children. So we do need to educate our parents as well.
I asked my own daughter how to reduce student anxieties. She said, "I don't like my teachers to talk about it." From my experience as a parent, I believe that students' anxiety is directly related to the number of times we, as teachers, say "End-of-Grade test." Repetition makes the test seem a huge hurdle. I am going to try to let them know that they are prepared to do well without making their success as 8th grade students dependent on one test. It is a series of small steps, discipline in study, excitement about learning, and the process of teaching and studying throughout the whole year that enable students to pass. Reassuring them that if they are diligent in each step and give 100%, they will meet the demands of the test. Also, I think we underestimate the necessity of refreshing students' test taking skills -- taking a standardized test is a skill in itself. Let's take some time in our daily curriculum to review "how you answer a multiple choice question." Also we can never let up on asking them to read for critical information.
ReplyDeleteI try not to focus on the test. I let my kids know that I will teach them what they will need to know if they will let me. Most of my classroom tests are as tough or tougher than the standardized tests, therefore in the end, the EOG will not be as difficult as what they have already seen and been successful doing. I reassure them all the time that they can be successful as long as they give me their best each day and not to worry about this one test at the end of the year. I also make sure that I have covered and recovered each and everything in my curriculum to make them feel at ease that they know it!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mrs. Rosamond that as long as my students give their best thats all that matters. Students need to also feel relaxed when they take their tests because they are most likely to do their best. - Mandy Barriger
ReplyDeleteThe bottom line is if students are prepared they will do well. I started college when I was forty seven years old. I had four and one half years to get it done. I stressed over every test I took. I knew I could not afford ($$$$) to fail a semester. I made one "C" in four and one half years. I studied and prepared to the best of my ability. I was scared to death of failure. Preparation builds confidence that lowers stress. Also, I would tell them to pray and ask the Lord for help. I did.
ReplyDeleteJulie Eudy says:
ReplyDeleteAfter reading all the comments above, I honestly don't have much "new" to add. I absolutely agree with Mr. Erkman: the more we talk about the EOGs as if they are the "end all and be all" the more anxious students get. I vary my ways and means of assessment as do almost all of us and work to focus on what students do right as often as possible.
Testing is a very stressful time for all students. I try to tell the students that everyone is feeling the same feelings, anxiety. I also say that it is highly umlikely that anyone will make a perfect score. I go over test taking skills with the students. I also go over different techniques and exercises they can do to calm any feelings of anxiety they may have. I think it is also important for them to know that we also feel some feelings of anxiety to, even though we are not testing.
ReplyDeleteAnna Hicks
I have always tried to relate to the students that the EOG's is not a test to see what they don't know but an opportunity to show what they do know. I feel it is all about their perspective when it comes to taking standardized tests. I try to award my kids for effort as much as accuracy for I feel it is much more important in the long run. All anyone can ask for is their best! If they learned to put forth the effort the success will follow.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, I do tell my students that it is only one test grade. I stress to them that I know how wonderful they are and that they are smarter than one grade alone could ever determine. I also teach them strategies that will help them be successful on the test. One activity that they really like is to sing the text in their head when they get bored with reading. You can’t really sing the words without paying attention to what you are saying – so the plan is when they start drifting off, they go back to where they lost track and put the words to their favorite music. This is harder than taking the actual test, but it is rather amusing. It is really funny when you see a kid’s head bobbing up and down during a test!
ReplyDeleteI give daily quizzes, however, I average their daily grades for a weekly quiz grade. This helps build their confidence in that if they didn't do well on one quiz that doesn't mean that they blew their entire grade. For the end of grade test, I try to constantly review through my quizzes and tests so that they are really confident come test day. Also, playing review games helps with the test stress. Students had much rather review with a game than a worksheet.
ReplyDeleteThere is no EOG test in my class so I dont have to deal with much of the stress in my room. I do teach test taking skills to my students and hope they can apply those skills to the EOGs they have to take in other classes. Students understand what those tests mean, and stress in a natural reaction. All we can do is to provide the skills needed to give students the highest chance of success.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, I let them know that it is just one test. I teach them strategies throughout the year to use with the EOG test and all of their other tests.I agree with Jason that we as teachers need to continually review their test taking skills so that they feel more confident when they take the EOG or other tests.
ReplyDeleteI like to mix the type of lessons I deliver. Therefore students can experience success in different ways. As they experience success, their confidence builds. I also like to encourage them to share their ides. If they are wrong, I keep my tone polite and say something less upsetting than simply "no". I like to say something along the lines of "that's an interresting idea, lets think of it in a different way. are there other ideas?". This way the child who was "wrong" can also share other ideas if they'd like. For testing skills, I like to bring those into content test review. Also, I allow my students to look at tests again and write out the correct answers. I do teach my students breathing tricks for refocusing and calming the nerves. It would be so flattering to think that a few of them may be able to apply breathing techniques when they want to calm down or focus well on tests. I think the most imprtant fact has been pointed out: try your best. That's all anyone should ever really worry about...
ReplyDeleteI first try to call on a student that I know has the answer. Each one will have a right answer at some point even if I have to make a question work.Wink Wink. If a student has a hard time answering I will ask who would like to help, and there is always those students too. I also have many grades so 1 or 2 bad grades wont hurt their average.
ReplyDeleteI first try to call on a student that I know has the answer. Each one will have a right answer at some point even if I have to make a question work.Wink Wink. If a student has a hard time answering I will ask who would like to help, and there is always those students too. I also have many grades so 1 or 2 bad grades wont hurt their average.
ReplyDeleteMany students are very competent in class, but due to test anxiety have a hard time with the EOG's. I have heard numerous times that they do good until they get to EOG's. I tell them that as long as they do their best, I am happy with that. Also, I encourage improvement, not necessarily a 3 or 4. This seems to make them feel better. They also like knowing that the teacher will not be mad at them if they do not make a 3 or 4. I have found that these things build the confidence they place in themselves.
ReplyDeleteI try to play games that require students look back in a reading passage and locate the answer to a question. To make it worth the effort, I give a small prize to the first person to raise their hand, and give the paragraph and sentence where they located the answer. I feel that this will help them on the reading part of the "TEST".
ReplyDeleteI try to get the students not to stress by telling them if they do their best they will be fine. On the day of EOGS I tell them to take all the time they need to. I also stress to relax and focus. I even try to get them to laugh before they start. This helps them to let out some the stress.
ReplyDelete2nd try.......When teaching VOCATS supported classes , i have learned that pre and post testing each unit of study really helps. The pre test is made from the test item bank and it will be the same one i give at the end of the unit.Some students did test out on the pre test allowing them to essintially "skip" a unit and work on independent projects. I have also used a "study blitz" in which all questions from each of the units were made into unit study tests. The student would take the test and if they made a "b" or higher they were allowed to move onto the next study test. If they did not pass ,they would keep taking it until they did. This was done at an individual pace and checked by me. It also allowed the lower performing students a chance to pull up their avg, as failing was not an option. This really works, I am no master edumacator, but this strategy did allow my classes to achieve the highest vocats scores in the state in level 1,2,and 3 in welding(by far one of the most difficult classes I have taught in my career, apllied science , physics etc). These were avg students on tech prep path. (it also helps if you have access to the state test item bank.) In my classes now,we do a lot of "open notes" and internet scavenger hunt tests......so if breathing is automatic then you can find success. I Have wondered if open notes tests are a good idea......I think they are because the test itself is another tool to solidify the material in which you are testing for anyway. It also relieves a lot of anxiety. I suppose i like assesments with no surprises.
ReplyDeleteIn class, I always try to make them feel confident in whatever we do. I try to offer them a variety of materials and activities that will engage them. I offer them "knuckle taps" if they come up with a great answer. It's all about them being able to believe in themselves.
ReplyDeleteLike many before me, I also try to focus less on the EOGs and more on daily lessons. The students are already aware of this test and certainly do not need added stress with teachers constantly reminding them. Through daily practice in class and other activities, I hope their confidence level rises. I will remind them that practice in academics is just as important as practice in music, sports, etc. Giving their best is all anyone can expect,and they should feel proud if they did just that.
ReplyDeleteWe also work on test taking skills throughout the year. One suggestion I give them which hopefully lessens the stress while taking the EOGs is to remember to "PICK YOUR NOS" before moving on.
My subject is not tested so I don't have the immediant stress of testing my subject matterhowever,that does not mean that I do not stress test taking skills. I talk to my students and stress to them that the grade is not what I look at, its how you get the grade!It is so hard for me to remember all information given to me. Through repetition comes confidence.I personally think that passing or failing a class should not be bases on one test. Written test are just one of many ways to assess students knowledge.
ReplyDeleteData and test scores are obviously needed to measure performance and spur improvement. Because my subject area is not tested my teaching methods are somewhat different. I love doing projects that develop and inspire creativity. I believe project-based learning helps students apply what they learn to real-life experiences and provides an all-around enriching education. When I give tests I try to emphasize the importance of preparation and managing their time. I know that today’s students feel pressured to take tests but it is essential because it not only gives teachers a baseline but it also aids in the development of strategies for success.
ReplyDeleteI know that when my own two sons were in elementary school, they claimed that the teachers talked about EOGs every day. They also had teachers many times that told them if they failed the EOG they would fail the grade level. This made me know that as a teacher, I would never dwell on the EOGs. I hardly ever mention them. I know its easier because I don't teach tested subjects, but it doesn't help their confidence to think about those tests all the time. I tell students that if they give their best everyday and do what is expected of them, when it comes down to a test they will do fine. If they don't, and as long as they tried their best, it's not the end of the world, and we will cross that bridge when we come to it. Presently, they need to complete projects, writing assignments etc.. that build self confidence and lets them show case what they are learning in a positive successful way.
ReplyDeleteI think proper preparation is the key to keeping students at ease and feeling confident about taking standardized tests. Students should be reminded that they share the resposibility for their learning. They must remain focused each day so they do not get behind. Each day's material builds upon the next day, and if they are not focused, they might miss certain aspects that would benefit them on their test. Students should be told that their behavior in class can affect learning, and distractions waste valuable time that could be used in making sure that the class has mastered the material to succeed on the test. I believe it was Abraham Lincoln who said, "By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail." Proper preparation is the key to student confidence.
ReplyDeleteIn band, our standardized testing is the public performance. Talk about anxiety provoking! However, preparing and performing a piece of music for the public is a process of development for a budding musician. In my experience, the more a student plays in front of people, the better the musician. (I am not saying we need more test!) Meanwhile, a performance may be high anxiety, but it is also a reward. Perhaps even the highlight of finishing or completing a goal.
ReplyDeleteIt's kind of crazy that for the past 2 months, including today, that the famous question of the day is...When are those nasty EOGs. The word nasty did not come from my mouth but the mouth of my students. Standardized tests are stressful on all teachers and children. The key is keeping that stress his from our students. All any teacher can do is motivate and encourage while also giving the instructional support needed. It would be great if those certain few students who disrupt our class time would realize that if they could control their behavior they too could learn. I like the quote given above by Abraham Lincoln, "By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail." It starts with us to help give students confidence within themselves.
ReplyDeleteMy students have experienced so much failure that they do not try and give their effort. Therefore, my strategies are to build their confidence and show them that they can. I really feel that if they go into any test more confident, they will acheive more.
ReplyDeleteI spend a week on test taking skills. Take all of the formulas that you need to have memorized for the test and write them 10 times each; make flash cards of each formula with an example of when to use it on the back; hold flash cards above your head to study them; have a family member quiz you on these formulas using your hints; finally, on the day of the quiz, as soon as the teacher tells you to begin: take out that blank page of paper provided for you and write those formulas down to clear your mind. This way they donot have to search their brains for the information and can focus on ONE problem at a time.
ReplyDeleteI remind them of the typical test taking strategies: do their very best, take their time, highlight or underline key information, and read the question and answers very carefully. Throughout the year I try to give them problems that help them with the types of questions that they may see on the EOG.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne Goble
I discuss with my students that feelings of anxiety are normal. Everyone wants to be successful. I talk about a time in my life when I felt most anxious. Giving a speech in the 6th grade. I was unprepared and it showed. Through discussion I tell them that in order to alleviate these anxious feelings you must prepare yourself as best you can and have confidence in your preparation, and if you can honestly tell yourself that you have taken the time to get prepared then there is no need to feel anxious. You will succeed
ReplyDeleteI try not to talk about the tests. I only talk about what they need to know for the future (high school). I try to encourage them to let me help them. With their hard work, they will be prepared for the next level. With preparation, I tell them not to worry about the tests. The EOG is probably not as difficult as my classroom tests, and if they have given their all, we shouldn't worry about getting to a certain score. All we can ask from them is to grow as a student.
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