Re: The Opportunities of Test Prep – learning, studying, Life skills: response to Slatalla article 12/4/08


To the Editor:

Thank you for the article on the College Board’s new program (Michelle Slatalla’s “My Child’s Fate, All Laid Out by 13”, 12/4/08). While there can be an overemphasis on testing, as a parent and Math educator, I try to focus on the positive opportunities that studying and learning can offer.
While some see multiple choice tests as counterproductive, the “good wrong answers” (the tempting ones that test takers may choose due to being tricked or not reading carefully) can help students see their mistakes and learn from them. Identifying potential errors leads to more metacognition (thinking about thinking), stronger comprehension, better grades, improved problem-solving skills and more enjoyment of the process.
In addition to content, the study of Math has other benefits:
· instilling values of discipline and excellence
· improving memory and focus
· preparing students for success in the ‘knowledge economy’
This positive perspective can help students, parents, teachers, and administrators meet the challenges of ‘teaching to the test’ by viewing it as an opportunity to address knowledge gaps and common errors while sharpening critical thinking and gaining confidence.
The testing of 8th graders can lead to strengthening of knowledge and skills to build a strong foundation so learners can realize their potential. This may alleviate remediation at the college level while inspiring lifelong learning in the next generation.

Robin A. Schwartz

link to NYT article
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/fashion/04spy.html

Linked In Question:
How did you succeed in a difficult course while in high school or college?
Students all over the country are getting ready for major tests and final examinations. It seems that students always have one difficult course or instructor. I would like to hear about strategies that you used to get through a difficult course. What are some of the best study habits? I would like to share your strategies with students. Please confirm that I can share your suggestions.

Math Confidence Response:
As a peak performance Math coach (and a former Engineering and Finance student who made it through Electromagnetics and Corporate Finance), there are key questions for test takers that raise awareness of their thinking process:
How did you get your answer?
Was it Easy? Medium? Hard?
Is that your final answer? (courtesy of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?)

Other Success Factors:
Study Groups turn up the volume of thinking through discussion
Read over the entire test at the beginning
Do not leave anything blank -- write something :)
Know examples rather than formulas (12 divided by 1/2 = 24 is better than invert and multiply) Keep review sheets clean -- do not write the answers on the review sheet! This will force reworking of the problems --increasing the chance of success on the test
View the test as a learning opportunity -- test takers are making new connections while they are in the exam

While studying for finals may not have an exact parallel in the workplace, gaining math (and other academic) confidence can help with the following Life Skills:
Problem-Solving
Critical Thinking
Optimizing Your Potential
Escaping the Perfectionism Trap
Appreciating Effort vs. Obsessing about Ability
Financial / Medical Information Fluency
Expanding your self-teaching Skills
Finding a (new) career
Lifelong Learning
Brain Fitness


Posted by
Robin A. Schwartz, 11/26/08
http://www.mathconfidence.com/
mathconfidence@aol.com