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Mr. Donnell
Social Studies
e-mail - cdonnell@wyckoffschools.org
Go APE for Exams!
Students generally want to perform well on assessments such as tests and quizzes. They can spend an awful lot of time and energy "studying" only to have sub-par results. This can be very frustrating for both parents and students alike, and can lead some students to quit trying.
I have found that, both for myself and my students, going APE can help.
APE is simply an acronym for ANTICIPATE, PREPARE, & EXECUTE. Let me explain;
ANTICIPATE- By asking themselves the following questions students should, with some practice, be able to anticipate what will be covered on a test or quiz.
-What themes have appeared in our reading, homework, and class discussions?
- Which of these themes have recieved the most time in class discussions?
- What kinds of questions does the teacher ask in class?
ie... Open ended?, Big Picture concepts or heavily focused on fact?
Does he/she want us to recall information, or synthesize & apply our knowledge?
- What kinds of questions did the teacher put on prior assessments?
Did they come mostly from the readings or class discussion and homework?
(This process is helped by a nightly reflection on the class discussion and readings from the prior day.)
PREPARE- Preparation should happen over time. It involves doing the homework when assigned, listening to and participating in class discussions, and on nights when there is no homework, reviewing your class notes for the day. By investing a little time and effort each day to the mastery of the subject, you will greatly reduce the amount of time and effort needed immediately prior to the test. If you have prepared appropriately over time, the night before the test should include a once through of your notes and outlines, and a good night's rest if possible.
If you have not prepared over time, your best "night before" strategy is to focus on main idea, and big picture stuff for about 1 to 2 hours max. Then get a good night's sleep.
EXECUTE- Executing is where the "rubber meets the road" in academics. Some would say nothing else matters, but I don't believe you can EXECUTE if you are not properly PREPARED. Here are some tips to help you EXECUTE well.
Before the test:
-Enter the class and put your things away. DO NOT get out your notes and try to jam in a quick review of the material.
-Take slow deep breaths to help calm your nerves and get yourself focused.
- Resist the urge to talk to your friends about the test- stay calm.
During the test:
- Listen carefully to any instructions that may be given orally.
- Take a moment to look over the test.
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Ask questions if you are unclear about any instructions.
- Take your time and answer what you know. Mark the ones you don't and go on.
- Use your test as a resource- Can other questions jog your memory to help with the questions you don't know?
After the test: (This is actually part of ANTICIPATE for the next assessment)
- Reflect on what kinds of questions the teacher asked. Write it down.
- When you get the test back, reflect on what you did well and what you did not do well. Write it down.
Over time, this should help you improve your test performance.
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