Test Taking Strategies | How to POP an "A" on School Test - Kantis Simmons

Summary

In this video, Canton Simmons shares the POP framework for acing school tests: Prepare, Organize, and Practice. He emphasizes understanding your current grade, knowing the test content and format, and gathering study materials. Simmons advocates for effective note-taking, collecting past tests, and forming study groups to enhance learning. He stresses the importance of practicing under exam conditions, teaching others, and discussing the material to build confidence. With these strategies, students can boost their test performance and overcome anxiety. For more in-depth guidance, Simmons offers a detailed course on test preparation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding your current grade is crucial for planning your study strategy.
• 📚 Knowing the content that will be on the test helps focus your preparation.
• 📝 Familiarize yourself with the format of the test (multiple choice, essay, etc.) to tailor your study methods.
• 📒 Use the 50/50 note-taking strategy to organize your lecture notes and create potential test questions.
• 🔍 Gather old tests from peers or online to review and practice with real test material.
• 👥 Study buddies can provide accountability, motivation, and collaborative learning experiences.
• ⏰ Practice taking tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam environment.
• 👩‍🏫 Teaching the material to someone else reinforces your understanding and boosts confidence.
• 💬 Discussing study topics in everyday conversations enhances retention and familiarity with the material.
• 🎯 Remember the POP framework: Prepare, Organize, and Practice to ace your school tests.

Q & A

What does the acronym 'POP' stand for in the context of preparing for school tests?

'POP' stands for Prepare, Organize, and Practice, which are the three key steps outlined by Canton Simmons to help students ace their tests.

Why is it important to know your current grade in a class before preparing for a test?

Knowing your current grade helps you understand what score you need to achieve on the test to improve your overall grade and allows you to set realistic goals for preparation.

What are the three aspects to focus on when preparing for a test?

The three aspects are: knowing where you are in the class, knowing what will be on the test, and knowing how the test will be administered.

What is the '50/50 note-taking strategy' mentioned in the video?

The '50/50 note-taking strategy' involves dividing a page down the middle: taking lecture notes on the left side and creating potential test questions related to those notes on the right side.

How can students gather practice tests to prepare effectively?

Students can gather practice tests by asking peers for old tests, searching online for relevant tests in their subject area, or creating their own tests based on past material.

What role do study buddies play in preparing for a test?

Study buddies help keep students accountable, provide a support system for studying, and create opportunities for discussion and collaboration on the material.

What is one of the main benefits of teaching the material to someone else?

Teaching the material reinforces understanding and boosts confidence, as it demonstrates the student's grasp of the content.

Why does Simmons emphasize the importance of practicing taking tests?

Simmons emphasizes practice because it helps students become familiar with the testing format and conditions, making them more prepared and confident on the actual test day.

What does Simmons suggest doing to reduce test anxiety?

While not explicitly detailed in the script, Simmons mentions that his in-depth course includes strategies for overcoming test anxiety and nervousness, which may involve preparation and practice techniques.

What final advice does Simmons give to viewers at the end of the video?

Simmons encourages viewers to share the video with others who could benefit from the information and invites them to access his more detailed course on acing school tests.