Test-taking strategies for adult ESOL students

A adult teacher sat down with two older students talking to them
Reading time: 2 minutes

Although test-taking is an important part of education in the United States, it's also a source of anxiety and stress for students and teachers alike. In the case of ELLs (English Language Learners), many factors pose challenges to their test-taking success. In this blog post, we will discuss strategies to ensure ESOL students succeed in taking the new and more rigorous CASAS STEPS assessment series.

Inspire a positive classroom mindset

Adult ESOL instructors often have a strong rapport with their students. They are mindful of the challenges students face in their new American lives – challenges such as immigration status, family situation, financial and housing status, which might deter them from fully focusing on their studies. Compassion and a positive classroom mindset are powerful tools for long-term academic success.

One way for teachers to cultivate confidence in students is by celebrating their victories – big or small – such as a student passing their driver's license test, making an MSG (Measurable skill gain) in the CASAS STEPS, or even just increasing their test score at all.

Clarify testing information

Another step to help students succeed while testing is demystifying tests. Many adult ESOL students might not be familiar with standardized testing at all. In addition, students (especially those in lower NRS level classes) might encounter language barriers in testing terminology.

To help reduce test anxiety, teachers can explain the ins and outs of the CASAS STEPS ahead of time. For instance, how long students have for each session, how many questions there are in each portion, what the scores mean and what they don't mean (a low score will not remove them from their class or program).

Practice, Pratice, Practice

Providing students with regular practice exercises is a great tool to combat fear of the unknown. Teaching with the test in mind, instructors can include a daily warm-up listening question or two at the beginning of class that relates to the day's lesson topic and/or provide a daily timed "exit ticket" reading question (both can be found in the FUTURE series books and accompanying MyEnglishLab.) so they can practice time management skills for test tasking.

Encourage self-care

While mental preparation is crucial, feeling physically comfortable and having basic needs met makes concentrating on tests a lot easier. According to Harvard, getting a good night's sleep is one of the keys to testing well.

Eating nutritious food, avoiding sugar, and drinking plenty of water are equally important measures. The temperature in the testing rooms can play a role in students' comfort and ability to focus; teachers can remind students to bring sweaters or wear layers and comfortable clothes.

The CASAS STEPS, along with most standardized assessments, is a test of mental and physical endurance. Preparation makes a direct impact on their scores. Developing students' confidence and growth mindset, clearly communicating test information, providing plenty of opportunities to practice with the FUTURE series and MyEnglishLab, and encouraging self-care will help students achieve higher results.What other test-taking strategies do you use with your students?

Download the PDF of our tips here

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