An important part of measuring a student\u2019s understanding of class material, tests are a fact of life for students. So, it\u2019s not surprising that tests can also be the most stressful part of school.<\/p>\n
Sometimes, there\u2019s just no getting around the stress that comes with an upcoming test.<\/p>\n
Understanding what type of test-taker your child is can help him or her learn to study more effectively and complete tests with as little anxiety as possible.<\/p>\n
Just as students use different strategies for writing notes or learning material, they also have different strategies for studying and writing tests.<\/p>\n
There are 5 common types of test takers: the Perfectionist, the Memorizer, the Improviser, the Stresser, and the Uninterested. <\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s common for students to show signs of being more than one type of test taker. If this is the case for your child, try the recommendations listed for the different types and see which ones work best.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not sure which category your child fits into, make note of his or her study habits when preparing for a test. You can also speak to your child\u2019s teacher to get some perspective.<\/p>\n Equip your child with strategies for success\u2014see the guide here.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n This student starts studying the day his or her teacher announces the test. This type of test taker is determined to know every answer and feels a lot of pressure to know everything that may be tested. This student has a study schedule, well-organized notes, and will spend much more time studying than many of his or her peers.<\/p>\n During the test, this student knows most of the answers but will become easily frustrated if he or she forgets anything. This student takes the entire testing time to review answers in case anything was missed. After the test, he or she will obsess over incorrect answers.<\/p>\n Promote study breaks<\/strong> Let your child know it\u2019s OK not to know every answer<\/strong> Help your child to let go of wrong answers<\/strong> This is a student who can tell you every fact about the material being tested but isn\u2019t always able to apply this knowledge to overarching concepts. He or she knows dates, definitions, and names, but may have trouble thinking about the bigger picture.<\/p>\n When preparing for the test, he or she makes cue cards of facts and figures but may not think critically about the entire lesson. The student excels in multiple choice and fill in the blank portions of the test, but has a hard time with short and long answer questions. He or she excels in knowledge testing questions but has a tough time with application questions.<\/p>\n Ask about your child\u2019s opinion on the material<\/strong> Have your child write down all he or she knows<\/strong> Ask your child to teach you<\/strong> This type of student usually waits until the last moment to review test material, and goes into the test relying on his or her ability improvise the answers. He or she writes the test as quickly as possible and doesn\u2019t usually take time to go back to review his or her answers.<\/p>\n This type of test-taker may manage decent grades or may fall far below the performance of his or her peers. Because he or she has a \u201cwing-it\u201d attitude and relies only on what he or she remembers learning in class, this type of student typically lacks effective study skills.<\/p>\n Encourage your child to review in advance <\/strong> Praise your child for revisiting the material<\/strong> Spark his or her interest<\/strong> This student usually has adequate studying habits. He or she studies in advance, knows the material fairly well, and listens well in class.<\/p>\n However, when it comes to sitting down and writing the test, the student freezes up. He or she knows the answers walking into the classroom, but will draw a blank once the test is given out. This student becomes flustered, is unable to recall the answers, and often gets emotional during the testing period. Once the student leaves the testing room, he or she feels very frustrated with his or her performance.<\/p>\n Do practice tests at home<\/strong> Tell your child you\u2019re not expecting perfection<\/strong> Help your child get into the right mindset<\/strong> This is a student who doesn\u2019t typically study for tests. During the test, he or she guesses most of the answers and tries to recall information he or she heard in class.<\/p>\n This student hands in the test after filling out the answers and doesn\u2019t bother rereading any answers. Once the test is completed, he or she isn\u2019t usually concerned with whether he or she achieved a good mark.<\/p>\n Support the development of study habits<\/strong> Motivate him or her with a career path<\/strong> Check in with him or her regularly<\/strong> Testing time can be stressful for you and your child. Fortunately, there are many resources and services available to help your child reach his or her full potential.<\/p>\n Check out some of our favourites here: An important part of measuring a student\u2019s understanding of class material, tests are a fact of life for students. So, it\u2019s not surprising that tests can also be the most stressful part of school. Sometimes, there\u2019s just no getting around the stress that comes with an upcoming test. Understanding what type of test-taker your child […] […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":16228,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1176,1183],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3409","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studying","category-tests"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat Type of Test Taker is Your Child?<\/h2>\n
The Perfectionist<\/h3>\n
Tips For the Perfectionist Test Taker<\/h4>\n
\nYour child has great study habits, and is committed to doing well in school\u2014which is great! But it\u2019s important to take a step back from schoolwork every once in a while. Promote study breaks so your child has time to relax and let off some steam after studying. These breaks will help make sure your child doesn\u2019t get overly stressed or frustrated with the amount of work he or she is taking on.<\/p>\n
\nYour child is working hard to make sure he or she isn\u2019t disappointing anyone (including him or herself). This pressure to be perfect can be unhealthy. Make sure your child knows that not being perfect is okay\u2014no one can know everything!<\/p>\n
\nIf you notice your son or daughter focusing too much on test scores or reviewing grades long after the test was written, teach him or her to let go and accept that it\u2019s OK to make mistakes. Rather than looking at these mistakes as a failure, help your child look at them as an opportunity to learn something new, and improve on next time.<\/p>\n
\nThe Memorizer<\/h3>\n
Tips For the Memorizer Test Taker<\/h4>\n
\nYour child already knows the \u201cwho, what, where, and when\u201d of a concept. Work with him or her to make sure the \u201cwhy\u201d is also understood. You can spark your child\u2019s interest about the \u201cwhy\u201d by connecting it to his or her own experience. Learning about a historical figure? Ask if your child would make the same decisions they did. Learning about science? Do a fun experiment with your child related to what he or she is learning.<\/p>\n
\nWhen studying, have your son or daughter write 5-6 sentences about the main concepts or topics. This will force him or her to dig deeper into the material and understand it more fully. It will also help prepare your child for any long-form questions that may be on the test.<\/p>\n
\nAsk your child to explain what he or she is learning to you. Show a genuine interest in the material and pretend you don\u2019t know what your child is talking about. This is a great way to test your child\u2019s knowledge on the subject and identify areas that need more work. Plus, your child\u2019s confidence will soar after teaching you about what he or she is learning.<\/p>\n
\nThe Improviser<\/h3>\n
Tips For The Improviser Test Taker<\/h4>\n
\nYour child may be able to skate by in school with little effort now\u2014however, in higher education, studying and test-taking skills are incredibly important. Encourage your child to sit down and practise building these skills, and review the material far in advance.<\/p>\n
\nGet your child into the habit of reviewing answers at least once after the test is written. This will give your child a chance to revisit the material and brush up on areas that need a bit of extra focus. It will also help your child avoid a \u201cwrite it and forget it\u201d attitude toward test-taking.<\/p>\n
\nMany children attempt to avoid spending more time studying because they just aren\u2019t interested in what is being taught. To help combat this, see if your child\u2019s interests can be connected to course material. Sometimes even just connecting what is being taught to a real-world example can help make the material more relatable (and less boring).<\/p>\n
\nThe Stresser<\/h3>\n
Tips For the Stresser Test Taker<\/h4>\n
\nTest anxiety is very common, and there are many ways you can help<\/a>. Help your child by doing mock tests at home on the material being tested. This way, your child gets used to being tested, but in a comfortable, safe environment. When it comes to the real test, these practice runs will help your child feel more prepared and confident.<\/p>\n
\nThe pressure of not making mistakes is usually what causes this type of student to freeze up. Make sure your child knows that it\u2019s OK to get some answers wrong\u2014being prepared and trying his or her best is what is most important. Knowing that it\u2019s OK to not ace every answer will help relieve some of this anxiety.<\/p>\n
\nMake sure your child is as comfortable as possible when taking the test. Make sure he or she is prepared, well rested, and has eaten a good breakfast. Have your son or daughter mentally repeat \u201cI\u2019ve studied hard and know the material; I\u2019ve got this!\u201d while taking deep, calming breaths.<\/p>\n
\nThe Uninterested<\/h3>\n
Tips For the Uninterested Test Taker<\/h4>\n
\nSit down with your child every afternoon for an \u201chour of power\u201d where he or she studies the material together with you. Be sure to fit in study breaks every 20 or 30 minutes to avoid any frustration or stress. Even quick study sessions make a big difference. And once your child sees the hard work paying off, it may motivate him or her to continue doing well in school.<\/p>\n
\nIf your child just isn\u2019t interested in learning, try motivating him or her by talking about future career paths. Find out what type of career your child is interested in, and introduce him or her to someone in that industry. This may help spark the connection that school is important when it comes to starting his or her post-secondary path.<\/p>\n
\nCheck in with your child and talk to him or her about why he or she isn\u2019t motivated to do well in school. Your child may be dealing with other issues at school that are pulling his or her attention elsewhere. Talk to your son or daughter\u2019s teacher and find out if your child is struggling in any areas at school (whether academic or social).<\/p>\nMake Test Preparation Easier<\/h2>\n
\nHow To Study Using The Spaced Practice Method<\/a>
\n11 Bad Study Habits To Avoid\u2026 And Become A More Successful Student<\/a>
\nHow To Find The Right Tutoring Program For Your Child<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"