Improve study and test taking skills. Develop an appreciation for the contributions that science has made. A positive attitude helps reduce the anxiety you may feel when studying science. Practice stress reducing strategies such as breathing techniques and expelling thoughts about failing. Use a variety of methods to study. Effective study habits include using flashcards, quizzing yourself and charting concepts. Ask successful science students about their study habits.
Enroll in challenging high school science classes. Upper level science courses often give extensive test preparation throughout the year, and they usually teach more advanced material than the proficiency assessment. Complete all homework, actively listen to the lectures, take comprehensive notes and participate in class discussions. Also pay close attention and put adequate effort into your math classes. Many concepts and critical thinking skills in math can be applied to science.
Regularly read science books and view science media. Read your science textbook daily to solidify the information in your mind. Read science books outside of class to learn the information from another perspective. Science experiments, videos and documentaries help visual learners master the material. Highlight key terms and take notes using your own interpretation. Doing this increases your understanding of the complex concepts. Do not wait until the last minute to begin reading science books.
Incorporate science in your life. Visit science museums, do science experiments and join a science club to see science in action and become engaged in the lessons. Become a science tutor to establish the lessons you have learned and prevent yourself from forgetting topics before the proficiency assessment.
Familiarize yourself with the assessment. Read about the specific purpose of the assessment and the science concepts that the students are usually tested on. If prior assessments or study guides are available, set time every week to practice taking the test. Start off with the goal of finishing the assessments. Then begin timing yourself to get accustomed to thinking analytically with time constraints.
Ask your teacher and peers that have taken the assessment for advice. Many teachers have a wealth of experience about the test. They can tell you about the common types of questions, mistakes that students have made in the past and the concepts to focus on. Some teachers even have information about the test directly from the people who developed the assessment. Your peers can voice their opinions about the test and warn you about the traps.
Concentrate on the science problems that you are struggling to understanding. Many students attempt to avoid frustration by focusing mainly on the problems they feel comfortable with. However if you put more effort into the difficult topics, you will be better prepared for the test. Employ other study methods, such as creating PowerPoint presentations, if the prior study techniques are not effective. Form a study group so that you can share your knowledge and in exchange learn from others how to tackle those problems.