Test Taking Strategy Using Post-It Notes

April 21st & 22nd.

Any Texas teachers out there? I’ve had these dated embedded on your forehead since August. Those dates are when my 3rd grade babies take the reading and math test. I would like to think we have prepared to the best of our ability but worry pours over me when I think, “what if they don’t use their strategies”?

In math, explaining their mathematical thinking is an integral part of understanding mathematics. It is an important way for kids to communicate and offer proof to their answer.

I completely understand that students can compute basic mathematics in their head. My issue with not explaining their mathematical thinking (notice I don’t ever say ‘showing work), is that when these kids are taking a multiple choice test they can’t help but look at the answer choice.

For example…

Johnny is working out a multi-step problem. He gets to step one and his eyes veer off to the answer choices. Choice C has the answer he just worked out so it must be right.

EHHHHHHHH! (that’s my buzzer in case you were wondering)

I have a handful of kids that just want to circle an answer. Or the WORST: I got 45 and this answer choice is 44 so I’ll pick that one

NO NO NO!….*as I childishly stamp my foot*

An idea sparked…

Last week I decided that this would change.

Something so simple, but I thought I would share.

Post-It-Notes

Yes.

Give each student one before a quiz/test.

Simple Concept. Big Impact.

I asked each child to use their sticky note to cover up their answer choices, then read the problem and work out the question. Once they solved and think they found the answer, uncover the choices and see if the answer they got was any of the choices.

If it doesn’t match, they automatically know they did not solve correctly so they need to cover it up and try again. To save on stickies, I had them place the post it in their math folder so they can reuse it.

I gave the kids a pre-test and a post test using this method.

THIRTEEN kids improved their score when using this method.

I know that’s not true data analysis, but hey—-my kids like it and it helps them solve for themselves without just circling.

During State Testing

During state testing, students have access to simple supplies. Teachers are not allowed to tell students what they can use it for or even offer these supplies to them. We place the Post-Its on the table where the pencils are. If they raise their hand to ask for it, we provide it.

To ensure they remember to ask for these supplies and know what touse it for, we practice before every test.

What test-taking strategies do you implement in your classroom?

test taking strategies

Written by

Amber Calderon

Amber is veteran teacher that built a successful TPT business before being recruited to lead social media and content marketing strategy for two Ed-Tech brands. She loves using her unique knowledge of the teacher marketing space to help teachers grow and scale their business with the right digital marketing strategies.

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2 Comment

Reply
Rhiannon Sniffin
April 18, 2015 at 1:30 am

I love this idea! I totally wish my state allowed my kiddos to use Post-its on "the big test," but, alas, they don't. We do, however, have a shield thingy on their computer screen, so I may attempt to get them to use that on our upcoming round of tests.

It is such a struggle for me to get my kids to think beyond the offered answer choices. So many times they just want to guess!

Thank you for this great idea. 🙂

-Rhiannon
Sniffin' Around in Education
Reply
Autumn Buch
May 10, 2015 at 6:17 pm

I too LOVE this idea! I wish I had found this post before the STAAR, but I'll definitely be using it next year.

Thanks,
Autumn