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Boost Test Scores without Cheating!

4/20/2015

Thanks to Eric Jensen, I learned an easy, research-based strategy for boosting test scores without cheating!

Researchers (Ramirez, G. and Block, S. 2011) wanted to examine the effect of stress on test-taking. They directed students to write down their feelings and thoughts immediately before taking a test. Results showed that the simple act of writing down your worries can boost your test score an average of 10%.

Teachers I have spoken with about this research recognize that it makes sense. By releasing some of the tension or stress, you are making it easier for your brain to access key memories, rather than being blocked by emotion.

So the next time you are giving (or taking) a test, take a few minutes to write!

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Deep Thinking Stick

4/13/2015

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Use a yard stick (or meter stick) to encourage deep thinking. Place a sports band, wrist band, hair band or rubber band around the stick. Ask two students to hold either end level. As other students share ideas, questions, etc. have the group evaluate the depth of the comment. Move the band to indicate the depth, encouraging students to dig deeper.

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Who did it?

4/8/2015

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Everyone loves a good mystery, teasing out the facts, the inconsistencies, trying to figure out who committed the crime. Mysteries are an easy way to engage students and increase motivation for tasks that usually seem a bit boring.

Last week my co-teachers and I wanted to work on compare and contrast skills, both in reading and writing. I created four crime scene reports that had some similarities and differences. Students were given the first 3 and challenged with comparing and contrasting the texts. Immediately, they were hooked into the task, looking for small details that might be clues to who committed the bank robbery. Students created a graphic organizer to show their findings, and then wrote an essay, but without stating their opinion about the guilty party.

Finally, we asked students to think critically about what information was missing, what else they might want to know before determining who was guilty. They generated a list of ideas, and then we provided them with the "missing" crime scene report that contained additional key information.

You can find all 4 crime scene reports here. Can you figure out who did it? Feel free to edit to make these easier or harder for your students.

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Boost Test Scores without Cheating!

Deep Thinking Stick

Who did it?

Anne M. Beninghof

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