Hope your May is going well. I can’t believe the school year around here just has 3 days left. One thing we’ve got to experience around here this year has been EOC tests or End of Content tests. These have been for Algebra 2, American History, English 2 and Biology. The unique thing about these tests have been the fact they have been online. Many of our students have never took an online test. Today I’ve included some suggestions on how to help your students, if they have any of these types of tests, either now or in the future.
Also as promised we have some discounts for May. From now till May 31st, you can save $20 on our book / videos and / or $100 off our online tutor guide. Details can be found at the following url – http://www.cleverapple.com/special.html
Tips for taking computerized tests –
Figure out how the tests are setup – one of the most important things you want to do is figure out how the tests are setup. Are they timed, can you take notes, can you move back and forth between the pages (example you answer question 50 and then go back to question 2). Figuring out everything you can about the test, before your students take them can help you get them better prepared.
Be advised as well, the test may fail. Of the tests I mentioned before, my daughter got to take three of them. During testing all of them failed. They were timed, and online. Apparently the state wasn’t prepared for how many people were taking them, so for each test they took a half hour in the morning and then finished them after lunch.
What if they’re timed –  many of the students we have tutored freak out when you mention a timed tests. If you think about it thoug, almost every test you’ve ever taken has been timed. If it’s an hour class period then they usually have an hour to take the tests. Just mentioning this simple fact can help to relieve some of the tension. You should already be timing them on some of the exercises you’re giving them. If they haven’t taken a timed test yet, they will someday. Getting them used to the clock element can help prepare them for tests they will be taking later on.
Taking practice tests – you can find practice tests for almost any test your student may be taking online. For example I found this “End of Content†sample test for TN. You can check it out here –
http://www.tn.gov/education/assessment/doc/EOC_EngII_PT.pdf
Just do a search for the exact name of the test your student will be taking. The test I found wasn’t a computer test, but you can easily use the questions and make your own. See the section below.
Making your own tests –
Here are just some of the tools you can use to create your own tests. Many of them offer free trials.
Cost – Varies – the $12/month option should work well.
Create a Quiz – http://www.pc-shareware.com/quiz.htm
An old program that still works, just not as flashy as some of the other options. Cost – $34.95
http://www.aditsoftware.com/order/
Cost $69.00
Hope you have a wonderful day.