9 Best Ways to Improve Test Scores
As teachers, we often deal with pressures to get students to perform on tests.
That pressure might come from the state, our administrators, parents, or even colleagues.
And it can often feel like we are banging our head on the wall, since we can’t exactly control our students’ every action and whether or not they choose to put forth any effort.
It seems that the message... if students are doing poorly on tests it’s the teacher’s fault... has just become too common.
That pressure might come from the state, our administrators, parents, or even colleagues.
And it can often feel like we are banging our head on the wall, since we can’t exactly control our students’ every action and whether or not they choose to put forth any effort.
It seems that the message... if students are doing poorly on tests it’s the teacher’s fault... has just become too common.
I think we can all agree there are many factors at play in regards to whether or not a student will perform well on a test.
Some factors that come to mind:
+ Student Effort
+ Support for Academics at Home
+ Student Skills and Ability
+ Quality of Home Life
+ Daily Life Events
+ Student Needs Met – sleep and food
Just to name a few.
And you will notice, that the factors on the list above are all out of the teacher’s control.
In fact, some of them are even out of the student’s control.
However, despite all of these challenges, teachers are still fighting tooth and nail to help their students find success. Mostly because we care so much.
I’m happy to share with you that there are also other factors that affect a student’s performance on tests. And many of these factors can be controlled by teachers.
In this post, I’m going to share with you 9 ways teachers can improve test scores.
#1 - Quality Study Guide
Teachers should be providing students with a quality study guide at least 2-3 days before test day.
An effective study guide is not just a list of practice questions. Perhaps it may include a few, but there is much more to include if it is to truly serve its purpose.
Unfortunately, I hear teachers say they don’t give out study guides because they don’t want to give away their test.
Well, I’m here to assure you that you CAN provide your students with a quality study guide that does not give away your test.
No matter what subject you teach, history, science, math or ELA, a quality study guide includes 3 components: key vocabulary, main concepts/objectives, and skills students will be expected to perform on the test. Learn more about Creating an Effective Study Guide Using the 3 Step Template.
An effective study guide is not just a list of practice questions. Perhaps it may include a few, but there is much more to include if it is to truly serve its purpose.
Unfortunately, I hear teachers say they don’t give out study guides because they don’t want to give away their test.
Well, I’m here to assure you that you CAN provide your students with a quality study guide that does not give away your test.
No matter what subject you teach, history, science, math or ELA, a quality study guide includes 3 components: key vocabulary, main concepts/objectives, and skills students will be expected to perform on the test. Learn more about Creating an Effective Study Guide Using the 3 Step Template.
#2 - Review Day
Any teacher who wants their students to succeed, will have a review day just before the test.
While many teachers are tempted to play review games to boost student engagement, I would advise against it.
Students need you to teach them proper study techniques for your content.
Review day is the perfect opportunity to show them study methods and have students actually perform those methods in class – whether it be as a whole class, in small groups, with partners, or individually.
Once students understand how they can study your content independently, then you can incorporate the review games. (Perhaps the second half of the school year.)
While many teachers are tempted to play review games to boost student engagement, I would advise against it.
Students need you to teach them proper study techniques for your content.
Review day is the perfect opportunity to show them study methods and have students actually perform those methods in class – whether it be as a whole class, in small groups, with partners, or individually.
Once students understand how they can study your content independently, then you can incorporate the review games. (Perhaps the second half of the school year.)
#3 - Inform Students of Test Format
Inform your students of the test format. On review day, I stand at the front of the class (or on camera) with a copy of the test in my hand.
I flip through and tell them exactly what they will have to do.
15 multiple choice questions
5 short answer questions
1 essay
3 questions using this timeline
3 questions using this map
1 diagram to label
I don’t show them specific questions or anything, but this simple strategy relieves so much anxiety in your students.
I flip through and tell them exactly what they will have to do.
15 multiple choice questions
5 short answer questions
1 essay
3 questions using this timeline
3 questions using this map
1 diagram to label
I don’t show them specific questions or anything, but this simple strategy relieves so much anxiety in your students.
#4 - Test Day - Clear Procedure & Structure
Do you have a Test Mode procedure? If you don’t, you should get one. In fact, you can click here to grab your FREE copy of my Test Mode Procedure.
You will alleviate even more stress for your students if you have firm, clear procedures for your test day.
What do students do at the start of class?
What will students do when they finish their test that won’t disrupt others who are still working?
You will alleviate even more stress for your students if you have firm, clear procedures for your test day.
What do students do at the start of class?
What will students do when they finish their test that won’t disrupt others who are still working?
