You Will Remember

You Will Remember

Dear Student,
I am now going to test you.

T Tell you to prepare ahead of time for tests.
E Encourage you to use all those memory techniques.
S Say you can do it!
T Take my own advice.

What you’ve just read is an example of a memory technique that with a little practice can help you to remember most anything. When preparing for a test, make a game of it and give your self rewards. When you know a certain concept well, go on to something else. Believe it or not, you can actually over study.

When you test, it is important to remember that a test is nothing more than an evaluation of what you’ve learned. Put in a positive perspective, it can become a chance to show off rather than something to be feared. Each day you’ve been in class has been a building block on the day before. Now you just have to get it from your memory, down through your arm, into the pencil and on to the paper.

To accomplish this, a good test taker will get a good nights rest, eat a healthy breakfast and drink plenty of water. Be sure your breakfast contains some protein and is light on the sugar. Sugar clouds the brain and also has a let down period that may come at the worst possible moment. To have a well hydrated brain, water is best. Coffee, tea, and energy drinks contain caffeine which dehydrates the brain.

When test time arrives, take a few deep breaths and say to yourself, “I know this and I can do it.” Deep breathing is a good relaxation technique as well. Remember that what you focus on expands, so keep your thoughts positive. Take a moment to survey the entire test, paying close attention to the directions. Then answer the questions you’re really on top of first. This will save time and allow for a longer thought process on those things not as familiar. If your test is one requiring a scantron, make sure your answer is in the right place. I place the edge of the test paper under the line I’m going to mark, sliding it down with each new question. This keeps me from marking two answers on the same line. It also helps me stay focused on the question being asked. Everything is difficult before it is easy, but you’ve had some practice quizzes, so your next test should be easy right?

Good luck to you. I’m sure you’ll be great

Doryce Seibold