Sunday, April 17, 2011

Increase Study Skills and Test Performance through Predictions

Students taking a test at the University of Vi...                        Image via Wikipedia
More things I'm learning through BrainSMART...     
     Making predictions utilizes the higher-order thinking skills of our frontal lobes.  Teach students the metacognitive power of predictions to ensure interest, motivation, as well as current and future academic success. 

     Before a test, encourage students to predict what information will be on it.  The first couple of times walk students through the process.  Question them about the information they feel is most likely to be on their test and why.  Share ideas for determining importance.  Encourage them to write their predictions down.  This process will increase student interest while exercising their logic and judgment skills.  After the test, ask students to review their predictions.  What predictions were correct and why? What will they do differently next time? 

     Before the next test, let students work individually or with partners to make their predictions.  I recommend checking the relevance of the predictions students are making.  This is an excellent opportunity to hone study skills for specific students by providing a window into their thinking.  After each subsequent test, allow students time to review their predictions with their partner or groups. 

     Making predictions is a valuable metacognitive teaching and learning tool.  It involves a review of material, increased interest and motivation, and the higher level thinking skills of the frontal lobe.  Give it a try!
Enhanced by Zemanta

1 comment:

  1. Such a simple idea but a really good one too. Helpful to apply to all sorts of academic tasks - from a 5yr old trying out a new reading book to a 14yr old sitting an important exam x

    ReplyDelete