The Future Is.... NOW!

Computer-Based testing Strategies in ELAR

Strategies for test-taking are one of the most important things we can teach our students.  It is the knife to the hunter; the wrench to the handyman.  If standardized testing is the dragon, strategies is the sword we arm our kiddos with to take down the beast!

This year a "new" test form (or "beast")  has emerged; the computer-based test!  The most terrifying component was that the strategies we previously had were designed for paper-based tests.  

For the students, it was like encountering a "new world" beast with "old-world" weapons, and not enough time to figure out how to take the beast down.

So what did I do?  

I created a set of computer-based testing strategies for students to use, of course, that link the bridge between the paper and the keyboard.  There is a graphic organizer that goes along with the strategies also (see below), that is a helpful companion.  I will add the strategies below, however, keep in mind that these, like anything in this world, will evolve.  The strategies grow and change with the test, so I will do my best to keep any alterations and improvements posted.  

If I use my imagination, I can easily foresee ALL testing moving towards the computer format.  I mean, why not?  It's convenient, earth-friendly, and ideally, more efficient.  However, the future is now, and the time to think about computer-based test strategies is upon us.  If you would like a copy of the graphic organizer, would like more information, or even have a suggestion, please comment.  The goal of a teacher is to educate students, not just the kiddos in one's own class, so I am happy to help in any way I can;-)

Reading Strategies for Computer- Based Testing 

1.      Get comfortable and get your space in order.

a.       Locate your computer, computer mouse, scrap paper and pencil.

2.      When you log on to take the test, ask yourself: “What tools will help me be a better test taker?”

a.       Your test tools include: a highlighter, eraser, pencil, note pad and an X to cross out answers you think might be wrong.

b.      Your Accessibility Panel includes:      

                                                              i.      Text to speech: where you can have the questions read to you out loud by the computer

                                                            ii.      Zoom: if you need the screen bigger

                                                          iii.      Color and Contrast: if you think you could read better if the screen was a different color or was brighter or darker.

                                                          iv.      Place marker: a bar that helps to keep your place as you read

3.      Take a deep breath.

a.       It is easy to rush through computer tests, so breathe deep, take your time, and do not rush.

4.      Make a prediction:  highlight the title of the passage using your highlighting tool at the top of your screen and look at any pictures that may be included. 

a.       Write the title of your passage on the line in your graphic organizer.

b.      Make a prediction on your graphic organizer what you think the passage will be about.

c.       Decide whether you think the passage is fiction or non-fiction

5.       Read through ALL the questions before you read the passage.

a.       Use your highlighter tool to highlight your KWIQ words as you read.

b.      Using your graphic organizer, number the questions and write down your KWIQ words.

c.       If the question specifies a certain paragraph, write that down!

6.      Read the passage

a.       As you read the passage, highlight the parts of the passage that answer your questions or refer to your KWIQ words.

b.      If you can, answer the questions as you read the passage.

c.       When you are done reading the passage, answer the remaining questions.

                                                              i.      ALWAYS flip back to the passage to find text evidence to support your answer.

d.      If you can eliminate an answer use your X tool to cross out that answer.

e.       If you think an answer choice might be correct, use your pencil tool and draw a + sign by the answer.

f.       Read through ALL answer choices before you click on the bubble.  Sometimes there are two possible answers, but you have to pick the BEST answer.

7.      Paired Passages

a.       Use the same strategies as you would with any passage.

b.      Read only ONE passage at a time.  Answer the questions for that passage.

c.       Read the other passage. Answer the questions for that passage.

d.      Then, answer the crossover questions using the same process of elimination.

Graphic Organizer: