On the value of exercise’s role in learning:
" In addition to priming our state of mind, exercise influences learning directly, at the cellular level, improving the brain’s potential to log in and process new information. "
- John J. Ratey, M.D., author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain
TEST TAKING TIPS
Note: These tips are for students from grade school to college, so some of them won’t apply to your grade yet. Always follow your teacher’s directions first. These are ‘extra’ tips.
Instructions: Read all the instructions (twice if they are not clear), and circle or highlight key words in the instructions. Never assume you will know what they will say. Ask the teacher if you are unsure about anything.
Time Allotted: Ask your teacher how long you have to complete the test.
Preview and Pace: Read or scan the entire test through before starting. Notice the point value of each section if it is included on the test. This will help you to pace yourself.
Prioritize: Answer the easiest questions first, then the ones with the highest point value. You don't want to spend 20 minutes trying to figure out a two-point problem if you only have a half an hour to complete the test!
Keep Busy! If you get stuck on a question, come back to it later. The answer might come to you while you are working on another part of the test. Your brain actually (sub-consciously) keeps working to find the answer even when you have gone on to another question.
Partial Credit: If you aren't sure how to answer a question fully, try to answer at least part of it. You might get partial credit.
Draw and Diagram: Diagram or draw pictures for difficult questions. A picture may jog your memory or help you understand the question better.
Flag and Come Back: Put a small mark by test questions that you are guessing and want to revisit. Remember not to leave it blank, but come back later when you still have time left to rethink your answer.
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