ERIC Number: ED133341
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1975-Jun
Reference Count: 0
There are two types of skills needed to perform well on a standardized achievement test: (1) the cognitive ability or basic skill that the test is designed to measure, and (2) the ability to demonstrate that cognitive ability or basic skill within the test situation. Test-taking skills (sometimes referred to as test wiseness) are the skills needed by a child to demonstrate the cognitive ability that the exam is constructed to measure. The first part of this document delineates the skills necessary for a given test. Part II discusses two philosophies regarding the fundamental nature of knowledge--absolute or relative--and the issues of guessing and the "Don't Know" response option. The Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT) is used as an example. The third section discusses the need for test wiseness and points out that without the required test skills the child cannot demonstrate what has or has not been learned. Part IV presents and discusses practice exercises patterned on the format and item types used in the MAT. The final section, Tips on Discussing Test Wiseness with Children, summarizes the essentials the teacher should know about improving children's test skills. The appendices provide more examples. (RC)
Publication Type: Guides - General
Education Level: N/A
Authoring Institution: Arizona Univ., Tucson. Arizona Center for Educational Research and Development.