Standardized tests play a critical role in shaping students’ academic futures, especially in high school. Whether preparing for college entrance exams such as the SAT and ACT, language proficiency assessments such as WIDA ACCESS, or state graduation tests, students benefit greatly from structured, effective test preparation. Teachers are in a unique position to guide students through this process, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to perform at their best.
From strategic study techniques to innovative learning tools such as THINKING PRO, the right approach to test prep can make all the difference. Below are some best practices teachers can use to help students maximize their potential on test day.
Why Test Preparation Matters
For many students, standardized tests are more than just an academic requirement — they influence college admissions, scholarship opportunities, and placement in advanced courses. Effective test prep helps students:
- Develop familiarity with test formats and question types.
- Improve time management and problem-solving skills.
- Reduce test anxiety through repeated practice.
- Strengthen subject-specific knowledge.
A well-structured test prep strategy can significantly improve scores, particularly when students engage in interactive, skill-based learning.
5 Best Practices for Teachers Supporting Test Prep
1. Integrate Test-Taking Strategies Into Daily Instruction
Test preparation shouldn’t be limited to last-minute cram sessions. Instead, teachers can embed test-taking strategies into regular lessons:
- Encourage active reading techniques to improve comprehension on reading-based exams.
- Teach students process-of-elimination strategies for multiple-choice questions.
- Provide opportunities for timed practice tests to help students get used to working under pressure.
By weaving these techniques into daily instruction, students build critical skills without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Offer Regular, Low-Stakes Practice
High-stakes testing can create stress for students, but frequent, low-stakes practice can help ease anxiety and improve retention. Teachers can:
- Assign short quizzes that mimic standardized test formats.
- Use peer review sessions to encourage collaborative learning.
- Implement weekly question-of-the-day exercises to build familiarity with test material.
The goal is to create a comfortable environment where students can practice without fear of failure.
3. Teach Students How to Analyze Their Mistakes
One of the most effective ways to improve test performance is to help students learn from their mistakes. Research indicates that “By having students focus on missed questions coupled with addressing deficiencies in their test preparation strategies and behaviors, they likely engage in more self-regulated learning to better prepare for exams and avoid repeating past mistakes.”
Instead of simply marking answers as incorrect, teachers can:
- Guide students through error analysis to understand why they got a question wrong.
- Encourage self-reflection by asking students to explain their thought processes.
- Provide targeted review sessions based on common mistakes.
By helping students recognize patterns in their errors, teachers empower them to refine their test-taking strategies and avoid repeating the same mistakes on future exams.
4. Encourage a Growth Mindset
A positive mindset can have a significant impact on test performance. Teachers can help students develop confidence by:
- Reframing mistakes as learning opportunities.
- Celebrating small victories, such as improvement on practice tests.
- Teaching stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and deep breathing exercises.
When students believe in their ability to improve, they are more likely to persist through challenges.
5. Use Interactive Learning Tools Such As THINKING PRO
Traditional study guides and practice worksheets can only go so far in engaging students. Interactive learning programs, such as THINKING PRO, offer an immersive experience that strengthens test readiness.
THINKING PRO provides:
- Engaging interactive videos that guide students through complex concepts.
- Simulated assessment items that mirror the format of standardized tests.
- Instant feedback in the form of proficiency scores given for engaging, gamified assessments.
- Adaptive learning experiences that help students master content at their own pace.
Teachers who have used THINKING PRO have noted that students feel as if they are walking through an animated version of test questions, making it an effective way to reinforce key concepts. Additionally, multilingual learners using THINKING PRO have demonstrated improved scores on assessments such as WIDA ACCESS, thanks to the program’s engaging instruction.
How THINKING PRO Can Help Students Excel
Test prep is about more than memorization — it’s about understanding concepts, applying strategies, and building confidence. THINKING PRO is designed to support students in these areas by providing engaging interactive learning that’s tailored to their needs.
By incorporating THINKING PRO into classroom instruction, teachers can equip students with the skills needed to excel on standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, WIDA ACCESS, and state graduation tests. Learn more about THINKING PRO or request a demo today!
Here at Thinking Habitats, we use thinking tools to empower young people to lead successful lives and contribute to the well-being of their communities. Our online platform has helped students improve their critical thinking, reading comprehension, and news media literacy and has had significant individual and community impacts. Try THINKING PRO today, and enable students to feel more empowered in decision-making, more mindful of their news engagement, and more connected to their local community!
References:
Favero, T. G., & Hendricks, N. (2016). Student exam analysis (debriefing) promotes positive changes in exam preparation and learning. AJP Advances in Physiology Education, 40(3), 323–328. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00060.2016
Making (Low-Stakes) practice tests more effective. (2020, January 24). Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/video/making-low-stakes-practice-tests-more-effective/