Factors that Affect Test Scores
There are many different factors that can affect test scores. Knowing these can be a very useful tool in helping students raise their scores. The following factors may play a part.
The skills the child has
Obviously a child who knows the material will usually score higher on a test. In some tests, the knowledge is specific and they must have learned certain facts. This might be something like a history test in which a lot of memorization is involved. In other tests such as standardized tests, it is a lot about reasoning and just natural intelligence. It might also be about knowing a few formulas and being able to apply them.
A lot of these skills can be learned. If the child has taken time to study for the test then this can obviously help. There are even study guides for standardized tests like the SAT. Students can familiarize themselves with the type of questions on the test. If they are more familiar with it then they might know more what the test is looking for and score better. Also, if they have taken practice tests then they might do better as well.
Test anxiety
The focus on testing has become so great in recent years that some student suffer from test anxiety. They may know the material yet panic and “blank out” during the actual test. There are various strategies that one can try to help avoid this such as meditating, taking practice tests and staying calm when you forget something. Also some students with learning disabilities may not have their knowledge portrayed accurately on the test because of difficulty understanding directions or other issues.
Physical and emotional well-bring
If someone is exhausted and starving during a test then they might do worse than someone with the exact same knowledge but who is in a good condition.
Knowledge of test taking strategies
There are certain facts about tests themselves that can help a person score better with the same knowledge. For instance, they may know to look at the other questions when faced with one difficult one because sometimes the answer to one question is in the question part of another. There are other test-specific strategies that can be taught.
Test scores are affected by more than just what the person knows, and it is important to recognize all of the issues that may be at play. The above factors may be involved in these scores.
Updated On: 08/17/2010 Published On: 08/17/2010 Article ViewerClose
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