Test Taking

For an optional project were were assigned to read chapter 11, Test Taking, and asses our normal test taking strategies, evaluate them and then try some of the method and tips from inside the chapter.

Usual Methods
When ever i would have a test i would usually start studying 2 days before the test. I would sit down in my living room with my family while they watches TV and i would look over my notes. I am a memorizor, so i would just read the notes over and over again until I could recall them with out having to look at the text book.

Evaluation
I have always done fairly well on tests. But i find my stress levels are very high, due to going into test not knowing the material and understanding it, but just memorization. My confident would be very low. I decided to try a couple of new methods i got from the text book.

What I did
I decided i would try my new methods on my Biology test on December 7. I went home after each class and looked at my notes, which i learned to do from another assignment. I made my own notes, and wrote out potential questions that could be on a test from what we learned that day. I started studying on the Sunday ( my test was the following Friday). I would go home and relax for a bit so my mind had time to be calm and prepare to be in study mode, i would then go into my room and shut the door. I never once had the TV on but sometimes i would have very low music in the background. I would study for 30 Min's and then take a 10 min break, so my brain didn't over load. I used the questions i had made from my notes and answered them.

My Results
I felt less stressed because i was more confident. I knew the material because i took the time to teach my self the processes instead of just trying to memorize them.
I feel i did very well on my test.
For the future i know now the i am not unable to teach my self thing, i just need to take the appropriate amount of time and effort. I will also study in rooms where my attention will not be attracted somewhere else.