How to Improve Your Test-Taking Abilities

I have two sons- both of them very intelligent. My eldest son is very smart and a very hard worker who really takes pride in his work. But he has one major flaw: He’s a terrible test-taker. I mean, he’ll do all the homework, study hard and would stay up all night working. However, when that test comes around; he may not pass it and it frustrates him.

Now my wife is normally the schoolwork disciplinarian: She checks blogs, reviews homework, email teachers and ensures that their school life is disciplined and on-target. Me? I pay for stuff and is an escalation point just in case one of my boys needs that stern lecture or a teacher isn’t living up to their commitments. I have this rather strange and fantastic ability to look mean. Plus, my voice carries (due to my days as a football player and coach- I had to get my point across from 50 yards away or more.)

Also, if something is trending in an adverse way; I research the topics in order to find a solution. So since my son was having issues with tests, I researched it and came up with some recommendations:

1.       Study for about 20 minutes, then leave and do something else. Why? Because it keeps the stress off of studying.

2.       Play soft music.

3.       Don’t cram.

4.       Don’t study on the bed. (You’ll want to sleep.)

5.       Don’t study too close to bedtime.

6.       Don’t try to just memorize, but learn the concepts and move to the finer thoughts.

Let me tell you: These study habits works. His test-taking improved. The reason why is because most people try to memorize the information, not learn it! They will read something and try to memorize it so they can recall it later. But the problem with that method is that by only memorizing it, you are only trapping the information in your short-term memory, not your long-term memory. What you want to do is to transfer the information into your long-term memory.

Let me tell you why: When you place something into your short-term memory, the pressure and stress can cause you to go blank or react in ways and/or behaviors that may prove disappointing. In other words, you may freeze up under pressure. But if you learn, not memorize the material; the pressure and stress may come, but since you know the materials, you will react with the correct action. The reason is because when stress and pressure comes, you react with what you know, not necessarily what you’ve studied for!

Think about it: Look at athletes. I can tell you how to shoot a basketball, for instance. I can show you all the points in ensuring that your shot would be accurate. I can talk about your stance, where to put your elbow, how to hold the basketball, checking your fingers, looking at your follow-through, etc. We can even go to the court and show you and you can shoot a few times until you get it right. You may walk off that court thinking that you are a great shooter.

But let’s put you in a game. Let’s keep score. Let’s put a jersey and shorts on you; with screaming fans, people yelling at you and 6’8” 230 lb. man talking about how he’s going to hurt you bad if you make your shot. During that time, in the heat of the moment- Will you remember everything that was taught? Or will you react, based upon what you know?

OK, I know what you’re thinking “This has been great pointers on test-taking, but what does this have to do with your pursuit of God? How does this help you live a life in Christ that is pleasing to God?” Quite simple:

You Will Be Tested!

But a lot of people have memorized God’s Words and some of His Ways. But what you really know about God is proven under pressure and stress. How do you react? What you know and who you are is defined by what you do and act under pressure. Do you pass the tests of life, or are you disappointed because spiritually, you go blank and react in the same old ways that you used to before you started your journey with God?

But if you are disappointed by your actions during times of trouble, don’t worry. There are definitely something you can do to improve performance: Practice the disciplines of prayer, bible study, fasting, meditation, solitude, etc. Practicing these disciplines is like working out your spiritual muscles and will fundamentally change your mindset and will affect how you act in times of pressure. Why? Because good spiritual habits can become so habitual that it doesn’t matter what happens in your life- you will react in a way that is pleasing to God.

So if you’re not there yet, don’t worry! Practice! And when the tests come, practicing Christian disciplines will increase the probability that you will pass!

Mo Walker