Miss Hinds' teacher resources

Test review without the photocopier: Using technology to review for exams.

The week before semester exams, students are bombarded with packets of photocopied study materials. Many students find the packet-pile both intimidating and nearly insurmountable. In order to avoid your test review becoming just another part of that stack, take a look at some of these alternative ways to help your students review for their exam.

I usually begin review with an online interactive quiz.  Because these quizzes score themselves and generate reports for you, they are a great way to determine which pieces of information need the most review.  I have used a number of services in the past, but my favorite is QuizStar. Click here to build and use online interactive, SELF SCORING quizzes.

After that, I use a game of Jeopardy in class to review some questions.  Quite often, when divided into teams, students learn what they should simply because they want to win.  I have seen many Jeopardy templates in the past, but my favorite one (No, I didn't make it myself) is available for download here: click and save the template.

Finally, my most effective review tool is my most low-tech one.  I firmly believe that vocabulary is the most important factor in a student’s success.  If you understand the words involved, you can make sense of the test question.  I have used vocabulary bingo as a review tool for a long time, and I have tried many methods for making the cards.  The best way I have found is to use a 5X5 bingo card generator.  All you have to do is enter the terms one time, then it shuffles them an infinite number of times, allowing you to print, shuffle, and print again. Go to this site to make your own cards and play vocabulary bingo.

Thank you for coming to my session!

Heather Hinds
Technology Applications Teacher
WT White High School
hhinds@dallasisd.org