Like death and taxes, standardized testing is simply a fact of life that we all must deal with eventually. Supposedly, these are the tests that help administrators in admissions departments determine where best to place students, and obviously, a better score could mean the difference between a first pick and a safety school. To help maximize your potential with these tests, here are some quick tips.
Standardized testing is designed so that each test can be graded quickly and objectively, without much room for subjectivity. This usually means a multiple-choice format. Thankfully, test takers can use this format to their advantage. Multiple choice means that the correct answer is definitely given. If you are unsure about what bubble to fill in, start by narrowing down the answers. Usually, each answer list will include at least one glaringly false choice. Start by scratching out answers that you know are wrong and increase your odds for picking the right one. For math problems, try plugging answers back into the equation. Finally, research ahead of time how the test is scored. If you are not deducted any points for wrong answers, make sure to answer every question. If you are deducted, try to narrow down the choice to 2 answers, giving yourself a 50% chance of guessing correctly.
Pacing can be the key to a standardized test, so make sure to time your answer-rate with the amount of time given. If you find yourself stuck on a particular question for more than the allotted amount of time, skip it and come back to it later when you are finished. Keep checking the clock as you go to make sure you aren’t falling behind.
There are many books and even entire courses tailored to each individual standardized test. These usually include practice questions and pertinent subject matter, and can help even the most experienced test-taker. Use these to your advantage.
Of course, normal test-taking tips apply. Make sure to eat breakfast, bring water and snacks, and carry plenty of pencils. Bring a calculator if it is allowed. Usually, standardized tests can be taken multiple times, so if you think your first time out didn’t go that well, don’t worry--take it again, and learn from your mistakes.
Feb 23, 2009
Feb 16, 2009
Memory Enhancing Activities
The human mind is a very powerful tool, but it doesn’t always work perfectly. Think about it--remembering the lyrics to a song that was in the Top 100 charts a decade ago can be a snap, but remembering the answer to a history quiz question that you studied for can be a challenge. In the modern age of daily informational tsunamis, it’s easy to lapse into passive brain data collection. To help combat this, try out the following brain techniques.
There are several different types of memory, such as long vs. short term, or auditory vs. visual. Try different “flash” exercises, such as having a friend enumerate ten different things (like sports, cars, or movies) and then try to repeat them back. Gradually increase the number of items until it becomes a challenge. Either repeat the items immediately (thus exercising short-term auditory memory) or after several minutes (thus exercising long-term auditory memory). The same can be done for things you see (visual memory). Several variations on this type of activity could be used, depending on what interests you or what type of memory you are trying to enhance.
Memories are never isolated. They are always connected, in one way or another, to something else in your brain. Perhaps the smell of fresh bread reminds you of your grandparent’s house, or the image of a dog running on the beach reminds you of a childhood friend. These are “cues”--the pathways of memory. Consciously attaching cues to things you want to remember can help enormously. Perhaps a particular history lesson is recalled by looking at a painting or picture. Another method of doing this is called a mnemonic device. Essentially, one easy to remember phrase or sentence is used to list important information. For example, the phrase “Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain” can be used to remember the order in which colors show in the visible spectrum (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet).
One of the most important (and obvious) ways of remembering large amounts of information is to break it down into more easily digestible chunks. Group together related information so that one piece connects with the others, giving cues to each following piece.
Unfortunately, increasing memory is like increasing muscle strength--there is no easy on/off switch. Keep on practicing and hone your memory until nothing gets by!
There are several different types of memory, such as long vs. short term, or auditory vs. visual. Try different “flash” exercises, such as having a friend enumerate ten different things (like sports, cars, or movies) and then try to repeat them back. Gradually increase the number of items until it becomes a challenge. Either repeat the items immediately (thus exercising short-term auditory memory) or after several minutes (thus exercising long-term auditory memory). The same can be done for things you see (visual memory). Several variations on this type of activity could be used, depending on what interests you or what type of memory you are trying to enhance.
Memories are never isolated. They are always connected, in one way or another, to something else in your brain. Perhaps the smell of fresh bread reminds you of your grandparent’s house, or the image of a dog running on the beach reminds you of a childhood friend. These are “cues”--the pathways of memory. Consciously attaching cues to things you want to remember can help enormously. Perhaps a particular history lesson is recalled by looking at a painting or picture. Another method of doing this is called a mnemonic device. Essentially, one easy to remember phrase or sentence is used to list important information. For example, the phrase “Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain” can be used to remember the order in which colors show in the visible spectrum (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet).
One of the most important (and obvious) ways of remembering large amounts of information is to break it down into more easily digestible chunks. Group together related information so that one piece connects with the others, giving cues to each following piece.
Unfortunately, increasing memory is like increasing muscle strength--there is no easy on/off switch. Keep on practicing and hone your memory until nothing gets by!
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