Reflection 3: Test taking

                    I had taken hundreds of tests over the years; However, I got nervous every time an exam is placed in front of me .I admit there have been times when I have gone a test situation unprepared, but usually, I have at least done a little studying to get ready .Still, whether I prepared or not, as soon as the test start, I got jittery, my mind goes blank, and eventually, I run out of time.

I used to feel really stress before taking a test, I couldn’t concentrate on anything .I had to visit a doctor, but eventually, he didn’t help me a lot because he tried to have many sessions, and I didn’t feel comfortable with him .Fortunately, this unit helped me a lot to have less chances to lose points.

                   First, I started this process by taking a moment to think about my testing experiences .Specifically, I examined how I prepared and when I prepared, along  with what worked and what did not work .I did this because I wanted to identify practices I may wanted to continue, and practices it was time to eliminate .My first bad experience with the test taking was in the 6th grade .I had a French test and the day of the test, I started fidgeting, and I studied for three hours .But when I went to the exam, I couldn’t focus on anything and I  barely remembered some information .I couldn’t control my ‘Anxiety’ , and this is another important thing that I learnt from this unit .In this unit, they suggest some very interesting tips to manage the anxiety before and during the test ;For example, I keep reminding myself that my entire future doesn’t depend on that exam, there will be other exams and other courses. I also study and do additional homework problems .Another tip to get away of my anxiety is practicing test-taking strategies ,I bounce around then I start with the simplest question .My friend thinks that this tip is useless but somehow it helps me with building self-confidence .

Next, I followed some suggestions that helped me to maximize the hours of study time that I have invested; For instance, I made sure I’m getting a restful night’s sleep and I’m having a great meal, I also made sure to bring everything I needed for the exam .These kinds of preparations are what I liked the most about this unit, since they are very specific and useful.

The last step of this taking test process is the test performance .A good preparation for the test won’t be enough to take a test well; effective test preparation can be hampered by inefficient behaviors during the test, such as not reviewing the entire exam before writing anything, or getting distracted by many things like noisy students and open windows.

                     I think that this unit is strongly related to the ‘Time management’ unit, because you need to be organized in order to skip the stress on the test day .Finally, I learnt some very useful tips to take a test well, and now I can move to a higher level of competence and success.