by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: April 02, 2008

What are standardized tests and why do we have them? There are two types of standardized tests and they are used for different purposes.

Standardized achievement tests measure what the student has already mastered in subjects like math, reading, spelling, language skill and science. These can be used to assess curriculum, teaching skills and areas where progress is needed. It can also identify where the classroom is showing great success so those programs can be mirrored in other classrooms.

The other type of standardized test is an aptitude test. This test is designed to measure the likelihood of a student's future success in school. It measures things like, creativity, verbal ability, abstract reasoning, clerical ability, and mechanical ability. The challenge that the students may face with this type of test is searching for the correct answer instead of the best answer.

What are some of the things teachers can do to prepare students for testing? Is there any possible way to make it fun for the students?

Reducing Test Anxiety
There are things you can do before every test to get the students relaxed and focused. I have seen a class do "the test dance". It was really just a series of upbeat stretches set to a well known song to relax the muscles. This is something they used in class all the time and they did it before beginning the ritual of standardized testing as well.

One teacher used different scents in her classroom. During math lessons there was one scent, history another, reading another and so on. She never verbally explains the scents to the students but she swears by it. When she is testing on those subjects she put on the appropriate scent. Her students test well, so perhaps it is one ingredient in successful testing hints.

Sample Tests
These can actually be fun. You can find short sample tests on the internet that are designed towards the type of standardized test you are preparing for. For example, the instructions are given in the same format. The questions are presented in the same format. The fun part is the results. There are tests that tell you what is likely to be your favorite color, animal, or food. You can use them to plan other activities, teach critical thinking and just generally have a good time.

Some teachers find that allowing the students to read the instructions to the sample tests helps prepare them for the experience as well.

There is much controversy about the usefulness of standardized tests, but for the time being we are using them. In that line of thinking we should make it the most rewarding situation possible for the students, the teacher and the school.

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