LPN to RN

Test Taking Tips for Online Students

If you are enrolled in an online university degree program or thinking about enrolling, one of the more important parts of your education will be test taking. Most people don’t realize that no matter how much they participate in class and enjoy the course material, there final grade is mainly due to the outcome of the exams taken. This is the main reason that you should brush up on your test taking skills. Here are some study tips.

Test types:

One of the most important factors when taking a test is to prepare for the specific type of test that is given. For instance, most instructors will either give you an essay test, fill in the blank test, multiple choice test or clinical test. Strategies for each of these tests are extremely different and require different study habits as well as strategies.

Clinical Tests are tests that require you to perform and action or procedure. Many nursing and health related degree programs use clinicals as part of their testing and evaluation processes. A very helpful tool for this type of test is the use of a study partner. This person can be a family member, fellow student, spouse, or anyone willing to help you. You can use this person as a pretend patient or co-worker and practice various techniques and procedures.

Essay Tests will require writing skills. You may be graded on your grammar, spelling, and your ability to express your thoughts and opinions. being well versed and educated in the specific topic will help you a great deal with essay tests.

Multiple Choice Tests can be some of the more difficult types of tests a student can take. These types of tests allow a student to choose between a few possible answers, and in most cases, allows the student to easily discredit at least two of the answers. However, often times students do not take the time to clearly understand the question before choosing an answer. Reading comprehension and topical knowledge are both key points to passing these tests.

No matter what type of tests that are given, focus on strategies that can help you achieve high marks. Usually the instructor will state in advance what kind of test will be given and if not it is always helpful to ask.

Study habits:

Don’t cram the night before or pull an all-nighter, then go into class half asleep to take the test Start a couple of weeks before and make sure you study on a regular basis. Most students learn more, feel more confident and achieve higher grades when they learn the coursework on a regular basis instead of cramming the night before.

Study in short bursts. Many recent studies show that students who study will retain much more of the first 20 minutes of study material. With this in mind, try to study for 20 to 30 minutes and then take a short break. Just a couple of minutes to stretch your legs or grab a drink may make a big difference in the amount of information retained.

Study in places with minimal distractions. With nothing to distract your thoughts, you will be able to concentrate on the study topic and less on your surroundings.

More ideas for test day:

• On the day of the test, it is important to be calm and confident.
• Try not to be nervous. Being nervous will only make you second guess yourself and distract you.
• It may be a good idea to have something sweet, such as a cookie or candy bar before the test. Your brain needs energy, and having some sugar in your system will give you an extra edge.

If you are planning on enrolling in an online university or are already enrolled, keep in mind these great study tips.