When you are taking a timed test, your score depends on the number of correct responses. To maximize your score you should always answer the questions that you know the answers to immediately first.
Never spend large blocks of time trying to figure out how to work a problem you consider difficult. Pass it and move on to problems you have prepared for. Never leave a question blank you know the answer to. My tests are not blind. You get the entire test for the entire hour. Use the time, after you have completed the "easier" problems, to work on the previously passed problems.
Consider the points per problem. You should never spend more than half your time answering less than half the points on your test.
I give partial credit for partial mastery. Even on "difficult" or time consuming problems, you could earn half credit for correct set up and plan. The partial credit you earn will help you decide how to better master the content. Remember mistakes in the first steps lead to incorrect, "not checkable"solution. Instead of erasing and starting over(time consuming and unproductive strategy), try checking your work. Did you distribute accurately? Did you forget a negative sign? How is your arithmetic? I will be very impressed if you find your own mistake...Remember you do not lose points for mistakes you find before I do.
Understand the structure of your tests. I typically, but not always, organize the test into multiple choice and free response. Typically half and half. The points are usually 30-40% multiple choice and 60-70% free response . Some of the multiple choice and free response are knowledge based and some are higher order thinking. The test is constructed so that the later questions are usually more difficult, however to save space I sometimes have open-ended easy questions last. You should always guess on a multiple choice questions after you have eliminated unlikely candidates. You should always try something. Often I have two test items on the same concept- one multiple choice and one free response. Working backwards on multiple choice sometimes helps you work forward later.
BE MINDFUL of the time. You have a limited amount of time on classroom tests. You have unlimited time on homework. If you practice more homework, ask questions in class and practice the chapter review problems, speed and accuracy should improve. If you can work 50-70 chapter review problems in an hour and one half, I believe you can work 20-25 problems on the same material in 60 minutes.
In the past, I have allowed unlimited time on the cumulative make-up test at the end of the quarter. I will be limiting the time from 3:15 until 5:30. The make-up test is optional for students who have taken all classroom tests. It is not optional if you miss a test.
I will post the date and time of the next make-up when I receive the midterm exam schedule.
