Language learners of all ages will take standardized exams for English fluency and to test their knowledge of various content. These exams, which are often in English, can stress learners who may get confused by the instructions or by the wording of questions. Help your language learners identify their stressors and come up with testing playbooks. Discover where your learners can find online practice exams by watching the YouTube recording of our recent webinar, Pass That Exam, with tips, suggested web tools, and resources.
Test-taking is especially challenging for language learners because they must process complex wording and instructions, often in a high-pressure environment. It’s common for learners to lose confidence, misinterpret key terms, or feel overwhelmed by vocabulary they may not fully understand. To combat this, consider spending time reviewing exam language with your students. Teach them strategies like identifying keywords, scanning questions for familiar terms, and practicing common phrases used in instructions. These skills will help them approach exams with a stronger sense of direction and control.
Developing a personalized “testing playbook” can also benefit learners by providing them with clear steps to follow when they encounter tough questions. Encourage each student to create a set of test strategies that work for them—whether it’s eliminating unlikely answers first, using context clues to understand unknown words, or managing time effectively by skipping particularly difficult questions and returning to them later. Testing playbooks can offer learners a feeling of preparedness and reduce their stress, helping them to focus on the content rather than their anxiety.
Additionally, online practice exams are invaluable tools for building familiarity with the exam format and types of questions they may encounter. Resources like Quizlet, Kahoot!, and Edulastic offer customizable practice tests that simulate the test environment, allowing learners to practice answering multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer questions. By engaging in timed practice sessions, students can also build up their stamina for longer exams. Encourage your learners to make use of these online tools to reinforce their skills, giving them confidence and practical experience before the actual exam day.
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