IX. Tests: Preparing for Them and Taking Them

A. Why do adolescents with ADHD do poorly on tests?

1. Don't understand the material covered

2. Insufficient study time, cramming

3. Don't know how to study for different types of tests

4. Poor memorization techniques

5. Reading, writing deficiencies

6. Difficulty maintaining attention during test

7. Impulsive rushing through the test, misreading directions

8. Test anxiety

B. Divide up responsibility for dealing with these problems. Therapist can teach test taking skills and can help with test anxiety, but the teachers need to make certain accommodations and make sure the student understands the material.

C. School-based Accommodations for tests

1. Increasing the time allotted for taking the exam

2. Non-distracting environment

3. Access to computer for essay exams

4. Oral testing

5. Alternative modality to demonstrate competence

6. Short breaks during exams

7. More frequent quizzes rather than exams

8. Open book or selected notes permitted

D. Preparation for Test: SQ4R Method (Markel & Greenbaum, 1996) survey, questions, read and reflect, recite, write, review and edit.

1. Survey -topics to be covered. Books, notes, reading, homework. Identify and list key topics and terms on the test

2. Questions- student predicts test questions. Locate sample questions, be aware of format of test, create sample questions, etc.

3.Read and reflect-locate answers to questions and information about key topics. Sort out essential from non-essential. Write out answers

4. Recite-the answers to the questions-memorize the answers. Distribute practice over time, use effective memorization techniques. Teach student time management and study techniques at this state.

5. Write answers to the questions-practice writing answers in the exact format required by the test. Especially important for essay exams.

6. Review and edit the written answers-checking for accuracy and completeness. Parents can help here.

E. Emphasize Guidelines for Effective Memorization

1. Accept the need for repetition and planning for effective memorization

2. Learn to accurately select the essential information to memorize

3. Know what kind of learner you are-auditory, visual, kinesthetic, or a combination. Customize memorization to your preferred modality.

4. Select memorization techniques which match your learning style. See table 4.

5. Engage in sufficient repetition distributed over time, e.g. don't cram.

F. Test Taking

1. Help student develop an organized approach to test taking

2. We are not born knowing how to take tests

3. Don't impulsively go through the test

4. Allow sufficient planning time-e.g. essay exams

5. Don't spend all your time on the one difficult item