In the current world of testing, many of the assessments our students have to take are on the computer. Students read and answer questions almost exclusively online with just a piece of scrap paper in front of them.
From my experience, students know how to annotate a text, but when they are reading on a computer screen, they aren’t sure of what to do with that piece of paper or how to track what they are doing. Going over these tips with your student can help increase their confidence during testing.
Comprehension Tips for Computer Based Testing
Talk about Your Student’s Current Reading Strategies
If your student is really comfortable reading and annotating on paper, talk together about what they are currently doing and why it works. Then, work together to transition their strategy to the scrap paper. I have seen students who normally annotate paper like crazy leave a scrap paper blank during a computer test because they never thought before about what to do with it. Having the confidence that you know what you are going to do before you test will remove a lot of unnecessary worry during the test.
Read the Questions First
In the same way that you should read the questions first on a paper assessment, a computer based assessment will give you all the reasons you are reading. I like to write down paragraph or line numbers that require specific attention on my scrap paper so that when I go through my first read, I can keep track of all the places to pay special attention. Then, I can predict the answer before I even toggle over to the question. Otherwise, students will waste a lot of time clicking back and forth looking for the questions and re-reading for the answers.
Set Up Graphic Organizers
Students can set up really simple t-charts when they have to read multiple passages: the PARCC and the SATs often ask students to compare two or more passages, either in writing or in multiple choice questions. If students know in advance what kinds of questions they will have to answer, they can name their t-chart after the question. Then, as they read, they have a really clear purpose for reading and note-taking, and then they will have an easy outline for their essay. It is a huge way to save time and keep all their thoughts organized.
What are your computer based testing tips?
Natalie Mangrum is the founder and CEO of Maryland Teacher Tutors. She is a reading specialist with a bachelors in elementary education and masters in education. As a parent to two young adults, and prior teacher, Natalie knows all too well the benefits of one-on-one tutoring and coaching for students. Her mission is to ensure that every aspect of MTT is done in a spirit of excellence! She enjoys alleviating the concerns of parents so they can breathe easy knowing their children are in good hands!