Articles

Like many parents, you probably like to receive some advice and guidance when it comes to your child's education. Articles from ESCHAR Publications like the following example are written to provide you with information about how to improve the learning experience for your children.

10 WAYS TO MATH TEST SUCCESS

By Vivian Owens

What is your definition of success? How have you communicated your ideals to your children? The way you communicate your ideals and expectations can lead to a buy-in or to total rejection. Your attempts may be received as inspirational or as desperate. In my role as a teacher, I noticed that successful math students were those who followed certain patterns, when tests were involved. Perhaps, the following outline of "10 Ways to Math Test Success" will work for children in your care. Please, take a look.

Gain a full understanding of math principles well ahead of test time. Practice in problem-solving is key here.

Learn to use the tools that will be available for test-taking. For example-if you are taking a computer-based test, prior use in understanding program set-up, tools, and language will put you at ease.

Read for comprehension during the test. Attempt problems only after you clearly understand what you have been asked to solve.

Concentrate. Stay focused. Sit in a location without distractions.

Prepare ahead of time. Study daily. Ask the teacher for help with any weak areas, or seek tutoring when necessary.

Days in advance, engage in problem-solving sessions with other students. During this time, discuss ways and means of approaching specific types of problems that will be on your test.

Get plenty of sleep on the night prior to testing. On the morning of testing, eat a protein-based breakfast.

Although you may be given multiple choice answers for problems, solve the problem yourself before looking at possible answers. In this way, you have engaged in reasoning based on what you know and can better judge the choices given.

Do not rush. Take your time and think carefully, based on your knowledge.

Identify the problem type.
As easy as it is, number 10 (Identify the problem type) may be the springboard that my highest achieving students always used. Knowing the type of problem allows the student to quickly recall proper operations to use, formulas, equations, procedures, or any other information necessary in understanding variations of questions related to problems.

Vivian Owens is the author of the book, "Parenting for Education: Revised Edition."

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