Source: Unsplash
They say that the best way to prepare for the SAT or ACT for a student is to take the courses and dedicate themselves to studying. Even though that’s true, there’s another factor that can make a big difference in a child’s results — parental support.
Yes, parents can do more than just support their children on the journey to their dream university — they can actively boost their preparation. How? Let’s explore the most effective ways to help your child achieve better test scores.
Encouraging Good Study Habits: How to Increase Standardized Test Scores
If you’re wondering how to increase standardized test scores, you should know just one thing. The best way to improve test-taking skills is to try different strategies and find what works best for your kid.
You can do practice tests with your kid, which is a good approach for many parents. When picking your practice test tool, read reviews on forums and listing platforms. You can simply google “Khan Academy reviews,” “Acely reviews,”etc., and consider different options before choosing what works best for your child.
Still, most teenagers struggle with keeping themselves organized and ready for high-stakes tests. That’s why test prep is partially about cultivating good study habits, not only getting correct answers.
How can parents help with that? Focus on providing everything for a good study process. It may include some form of reminders, time management hacks, or organized review sessions.
In fact, it can be anything that works for you and your child. If you see that your kid is way too responsible, then you might need to remind them to get enough rest and quality sleep. So, there is no one-size-fits-all approach here.
Source: Foundation Learning Group
Create a Study Space
Having a designated space for studying is highly important. Students prepare better when they have a special setup and everything they need to develop study skills. It is helpful to simply have all the books, materials, test questions, etc., in one place.
Besides, make sure the space is well-lit, free from external noise, and generally inviting.
Minimize Distractions as Much as Possible
Since we are living in a world full of distractions — where the biggest ones are our phones — “protecting” your kid’s attention is important. If you think about it, wrong answers are often the result of distractions.
So, to hone test-taking skills, make sure your kids do practice tests without the oppressive presence of the phone. This can be one of the best contributions you can make to improving test scores.
Create Reasonable Time Limits
Every student is different — one struggles to start studying on time, while another tends to overstudy. The remedy for both these issues lies in dividing the learning process into smaller parts. It can positively affect scores simply because a kid will have enough time to focus fully on each test section.
Students study better when they master time management. In fact, good grades come from the combination of skills, practice, and reasonable study time. And you, as a parent, can focus on making it work.
Helping With the Formal Part of the Exam
It is hardly a secret that every single standardized test is… quite tricky. Not only in terms of content but also structure-wise. Often, a kid can be very good at academic subjects but absolutely lost when it comes to knowing when or where the test day is.
The test anxiety may even lead to forgetfulness, especially when it comes to the test day. This is where parents can make it much easier for their kids. Let them polish and improve their study skills while you take care of organizing everything around the formal part of the exam.
This may build confidence and let the students improve their scores without worrying about anything but studying. Apart from the test dates and locations, make sure your kid knows the SAT structure:
Source: College Board
Understanding the time limits for each section and knowing the number of questions is crucial for an effective learning process. Still, focus on having a bigger picture of your child’s progress and preparation first.
You can read carefully all the rules and keep them in mind for the future. When the time for high-stakes tests comes, you can give all the necessary details to your kid.
How to Combine Emotional Support and Practical Guidance
Emotional support is highly important both during the preparation process and on the test day. Apart from keeping your kid in good spirits before or after the testing sessions, it also means motivating your learner from time to time.
It all comes down to helping your child move through the preparation period steadily without getting overwhelmed. Improving test scores in standardized tests is easier when emotional support is there. Try to avoid adding too much pressure, though — chances are, your kid already has a hundred anxious scenarios running through their mind:)
Supporting your kid throughout such a journey is caring for their well-being. But what about practical guidance? The best thing to do is to establish a well-paced learning system and focus on the most important elements step-by-step.
For example, you can introduce clear milestones in Math and Reading and Writing. And then, gradually complete each of those milestones at your own pace.
Why Parents Should Communicate With Tutors
When preparing for standardized tests, many students will need some help from professional educators. Of course, it might not be for everyone. Still, often, it’s hard for students to go through the test prep process alone.
That’s why the best idea is to get both parents and teachers involved. After all, you can’t rely solely on what’s learned in class. The real key to improving test scores is effective preparation at home.
Another great strategy for helping your child improve is to talk with tutors on a regular basis. They can offer feedback and instruction on what needs more attention and practice. Understanding your child’s progress is easier when you communicate with their teachers. They can give professional assessments and spot things nobody sees.
Even in terms of improving study habits, many teachers can be helpful. They can provide practice materials and offer insights into where students struggle the most. Knowing this, you can help your kid practice exams better.
While learning curriculum in the classroom is important, in the end, students have to focus on learning outside of it. The harsh truth is that most work is done off school. So, knowing and applying the most efficient test-taking tactics might be your responsibility.
Conclusion
Preparation for standardized tests is one of the hardest things kids have to go through in their teen years. Both emotionally and intellectually challenging, it requires dedication, not only in learning efforts but in support from parents as well. Kids will have to develop new skills and show stable progress to succeed.
Don’t be afraid to create your own strategies. After all, only you know your kid well enough. Good luck!
