Efficiently studying for the Praxis tests, state assessments, and/or other standardized tests is a valuable key to success for students pursuing a special education degree as well as for holders of teaching degrees who are seeking licensure or certification. Assessing his or her readiness and learning what the test covers is of primary importance for a test taker. This information can be gained in several ways. Looking at relevant college textbooks and notes can be helpful. Another way to gain this knowledge is to take a test preparation course, either in person or online. Such a class will help a test taker understand what he or she needs to know and thoroughly prepare him or her for the test. An informative study guide, either in book form or online, will also be helpful. Such study guides can help test takers differentiate between knowledge gained from their education and how to take the test. Publications, both print and online, put out by the company that creates and administers the test can also be advantageous. Thoroughly knowing how the material will be tested can greatly boost the confidence of the test taker. It is important to be mentally prepared and to know how the test will be scored.
Generally, repetition is the best way to study for standardized tests. Repetition can take the form of flashcards, practice tests, or perhaps repeatedly reviewing a study guide. When studying for the Praxis I test, review each section individually. After taking a few practice tests, strengths and weaknesses will become clear. The test taker should then focus on his or her weakest skill and spend only a limited time on stronger areas. Another factor a test taker should take into consideration is how long ago he or she studied the subject matter at hand. Whether taking a state basic skills assessment or a subject area assessment in Praxis II, the further back in time a subject was studied, the less familiar a test taker will be. This information should be taken into consideration when choosing a test date.
In fact, preparing for a test does not have to begin when a test date has been scheduled. It should begin before registering for that date. No matter if the test will be taken on computer or on paper, a test taker should select a date far enough in the future to accommodate a work and study schedule. Learning how to manage time will not only help during preparation for taking the test but also while taking the test itself. A written study plan is also important. This plan will specifically outline when the test taker will take the time to work with flashcards, take practice tests, and review study materials. The test taker should also learn the demands of each type of question, including the various types of multiple choice as well as constructed-response (open-ended) questions. In addition, a test taker can spend some time working with a study partner or study group to share the knowledge they have gained and help each other better understand the demands of the test.