With the 8th Grade Social Studies STAAR Test rapidly approaching, this month we are focusing on strategies to help students review content and not only pass, but exceed on the day of the test.
PPET is a test taking strategy for Social Studies. How many teachers can identify with this: Your students are taking the test. They get to a question with a primary source quote, and they shut down.
How do we get the students "unstuck?" That is where PPET can help out. PPET can make those reading passages more approachable. First, students read the passage circling names of people. Then, they read the passage again to underline places. The third time they read the passage, they box events, and lastly they will star important terms.
If the students then focus on what they annotated, they will be better prepared to draw a conclusion, or if necessary, make an educated guess.
As with all test taking strategies, if it is used and abused it will become meaningless. Train students to use PPET on questions they get "stuck" on. If it is required for every question, they will go through the motions without cognitive awareness.
Share what you think about this strategy in the comments section, or share a test taking strategy you are already using.
PPET is a test taking strategy for Social Studies. How many teachers can identify with this: Your students are taking the test. They get to a question with a primary source quote, and they shut down.
How do we get the students "unstuck?" That is where PPET can help out. PPET can make those reading passages more approachable. First, students read the passage circling names of people. Then, they read the passage again to underline places. The third time they read the passage, they box events, and lastly they will star important terms.
If the students then focus on what they annotated, they will be better prepared to draw a conclusion, or if necessary, make an educated guess.
As with all test taking strategies, if it is used and abused it will become meaningless. Train students to use PPET on questions they get "stuck" on. If it is required for every question, they will go through the motions without cognitive awareness.
Share what you think about this strategy in the comments section, or share a test taking strategy you are already using.