The online learning world has grown to be one of the most prominent learning spaces in today’s world. New courses, testing methods, and even learning techniques are introduced every so often. With everything students must learn these days, it’s completely understandable if sometimes your stress goes beyond a slow internet connection or a faulty computer, especially when your frustration lies more in the actual academic work.
Math is a difficult subject for many people and taking a math test online is certainly different from taking one in person. Several factors can come into play—your workspaces are different; the number and quality of available resources vary, etc.
If you’re looking for tips on how to handle a math test online, you’ve come to the right place! Here are the best tips to help you ace an online math test:
1. Familiarize Yourself With The Test Format
To give you an early direction, the format of the test itself can help you determine how to study and prepare for it. For example, if the test is a multiple-choice test, then it’s ideal to study and memorize topics and technical terms that are particularly confusing. However, if the test format is more about open-ended questions or requires solutions, studying formula variations will benefit you more.
It’ll also help to look for online resources. For an instance, a helpful resource on finding the area of a rhombus will help you discover new techniques and approaches that you may find more useful than what you’d normally be using.
Knowing the test format ahead of time will also set your expectations and allow you to manage your time better when you take the test. If the test you’re taking comes in multiple formats, you can decide whether to start with the format that you find easier, then move on to the more challenging one or vice versa.
2. Read The Test Guidelines Carefully
Most online tests, especially long ones, will outline a guideline at the beginning. This will include detailed instructions about how to mark your answers, how to change your answers, and how to submit your answers at the end. Reading and understanding the test guidelines, particularly in math, can make or break your score. It will also indicate the maximum amount of time to take the test if there’s a time limit.
The test guidelines may also contain more details, such as the number of decimal places that must be utilized, restrictions on problem-solving questions, and other specific instructions. If you miss out on important test guidelines, you may unknowingly commit mistakes that can cost you valuable test points.
3. Make Sure Your Devices Are Working Well
There are many ways to prepare for a test but when it comes to online tests, internet-enabled devices are essential. Whether you’re using a computer, smartphone, or tablet, it’s important to make sure that the device you’re taking your online math test on is functioning well. Make sure your device has a stable internet connection and a backup. Also, your device should be fully charged (if rechargeable), so even if your power goes out, you won’t be under too much pressure.
In case something happens to your device unexpectedly, make sure you have another device within your reach so you can switch quickly if you have to. It may also pay to check if your device has any scheduled auto-updates, has a sleep timer on, or any setting that may cause it to shut down automatically or unexpectedly. This is important because if you’re in the middle of your test, your progress may be interrupted by an unplanned device shutdown that you may find difficult to stop or rectify.
4. Make Use Of Software Solutions
There are plenty of online learning tools available on the internet these days. There are even study apps specifically designed to help students learn their lessons more efficiently. Take advantage of these software solutions that can help you retain more information when you study.
Most online math learning software programs also have advanced capabilities. For example, math apps that calculate math problems can show you a breakdown of the solution to a problem. These are particularly helpful with complex math problems if you want to see the easiest or most simplified methods of solving them. Also Read – Benefits of Online Learning: 5 Advantages
5. Choose A Conducive Environment
Answering any tests, no matter what kind, requires focus and concentration. Even more so when it’s a math test. But aside from being calm and composed, you’ll also need a quiet environment to be able to really focus when taking a test.
So, if you have noisy neighbors that you can often hear from your bedroom, you should start looking for a quiet corner before taking the test. Plan your location, and if you have other people with you at home, make sure to notify them of your test schedule and ask them to help you keep it quiet when you take your test.
Also, if you have devices at home that make noises such as mobile phones, make sure to put them on silent or low volume. As a backup, you can also use earplugs while taking a test.
Take Your Test!
Studying hard is not always enough if you want to increase your chances of acing an online math test. You also have to make proper preparations, learn new techniques, pay attention to detailed instructions, and make sure you have a quiet and comfortable environment that will allow you to focus.
Preparing your physical and mental state the day before your test can also make a big difference. Make sure to eat and sleep properly on the days leading to your test schedule. If your nerves get the best of you, try a mindfulness meditation the day before. Then on the day of your test, meditate for focus and productivity. Take the test as a welcome challenge and enjoy it. If in the end, you think you’ve made mistakes, simply learn from them and use them to improve your study habits.
