Testing
The Math Center offers a variety of ways for students to practice their math skills and receive feedback. Research shows that low-stakes quizzes and practice tests improve long term retention and understanding of math material and help reduce test anxiety (Brown et. al., 2014: Make it stick. McGuire, 2015: Teach Students How to Learn). Students can sign-up at the link provided to take one of the three options below.
Quizzes
- These are designed to be short, 10-15 minutes.
- They have basic skill and conceptual questions.
- Choose this option to see if you understood something recently taught, or want to brush up on something taught previously.
- Ex. "That was so long ago! I kind of remember what that's about." or "I want to maintain my current understanding of this topic."
- Best taken often throughout the semester.
Assessments
- These are desgined to be long, 30-45 minutes.
- They have questions which will help tell the student if they are prepared for a certain topic.
- Best taken before a new topic or if the student is struggling currently.
- Ex. "I am starting a new chapter next class and want to make sure I am ready." or "I don't understand what we're doing, maybe I have a knowledge gap."
- Math is often built sequentially - identifying and filling in gaps in a student's knowledge improves their understanding.
Practice Tests
- These are designed to be long, 30-45 minutes.
- They have harder questions, types of questions which students are likely to see on a course exam.
- Best taken a week to a few days before a regular exam.
- Ex. "I have a test coming up in a few days and I've studied for it but I'm nervous. I just want to make sure I'm ready." or "I have a test coming up in a week and I'm not sure what to study for it."