5/15/2024 12:54:30 PM	EDU 332 Course Outline as of Fall 2024	Reinstated Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  EDU 332	Title:  TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES
Full Title:  Test-Taking Strategies
Last Reviewed:10/9/2023

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	2.00	Lecture Scheduled	2.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	35.00
Minimum	1.00	Lab Scheduled	0		3 min.	Lab Scheduled	0
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	2.00			Contact Total	35.00
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  70.00

Total Student Learning Hours: 105.00

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Non-Applicable
Grading:  Grade or P/NP
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly:  CSKLS 332

Catalog Description:

This course will provide students with instruction and practice in test-taking strategies and test anxiety management.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:

Recommended Preparation:

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

This course will provide students with instruction and practice in test-taking strategies and test anxiety management.

(Grade or P/NP)
Prerequisites:
Recommended:
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:		Effective:		Inactive:
Area:
CSU GE:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
IGETC:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
CSU Transfer:		Effective:		Inactive:
UC Transfer:		Effective:		Inactive:
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Not Certificate/Major Applicable

COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Apply a variety of test-taking strategies and study skills in a testing situation.

2. Analyze best practices and research on the application of test-taking strategies and study skills to various assessment situations.

3. Assess and communicate test-taking strategies and study skills needed in different testing environments.

 

Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Explain how study skills such as time management, organization, note-taking, reading comprehension strategies, summary writing, critical thinking, and prediction lead to improved test-taking.

2. Describe and apply positive thinking, cognitive strategies, and relaxation techniques for managing test anxiety.

3. Explain the principles of memory, including the difference between understanding and remembering, recognition versus recall, and apply a variety of memory techniques prior to and during test-taking.

4. Use appropriate strategies and routines when taking objective, quantitative, and essay tests.

5. Apply specific expository pre-writing and writing skills for essay test preparation, execution, and editing.

Topics and Scope

I. Strategies for Taking Various Types of Exams

    A. Objective

         1. Multiple choice

         2. True/false

         3. Matching

         4. Sentence completion

         5. Computer directed

    B. Subjective

         1. Essay, long and short

         2. Organizing/outlining

    C. Quantitative (e.g., math)

    D. Scientific and/or vocationally specific exams

    E. Standardized tests

         1. California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)

         2. California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)

         3. General Education Development (GED)

         4. Graduate Records Exam (GRE)

          5. High School Equivalency Test (HISET)

         6. Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)

         7. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

II. Strategies Prior to Testing

    A. Organizing thoughts and information

    B. Predicting test questions within different formats

    C. Physical, emotional and intellectual readiness

    D. Memory principles and strategies

         1. Different ways to use flashcards

         2. Recognition vs. recall

    E. Time management

    F. Integrating different learning styles into study approaches

III. Strategies During Testing

    A. Time: pacing and management

    B. Dealing with mental blocks

         1. Splashdown

         2. Brainstorming

         3. Mind-mapping

    C. Organizing thoughts and information

    D. Response strategies for different formats

    E. Using various answer sheets

    F. Proofing exams

IV. Techniques for Overcoming Test Anxiety

    A. Developing a positive/optimistic attitude

    B. Cognitive strategies

    C. Relaxation techniques

Assignments:

1. Reading assignments, such as:

    A. Handouts

    B. Journals

    C. Articles

2. Weekly practice quizzes

3. Class discussions

4. Course notebook, including sections such as:

    A. Profile (inventories, assignments, tests)

    B. Positive attitude

    C. Study skills

    D. Test strategies

    E. Class notes

5. Regular homework assignments

6. Essay test practice

7. Reflective writing assignment based on readings of study and test-taking strategies

8. Exercises related to test-taking skills

9. Quiz(zes) and/or exam(s)

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.

Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.		Writing 20 - 25%
Course notebook; essay test practice; reflective writing assignments
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.		Problem Solving 15 - 20%
Practice quiz(zes); class exercises
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 0 - 0%
None
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 45 - 50%
Quiz(zes) and/or exam(s)
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 15 - 20%
Class discussions; homework; class participation

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Instructor prepared materials

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