DETER Strategy

Here, I'd like to share with all parents, a test
taking strategy that they can impart to their children,
helping them to do their best on any test.

It is known as the DETER strategy. Each letter in
DETER reminds the students what to do.

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The DETER Test Taking Strategy
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D = Directions

Students must read the test directions very carefully. If
there is anything that they do not understand about the
directions, they must ask the teacher to explain.

Only by following the directions can they achieve a good
score on the test.

If they do not follow the directions, they will not be able
to demonstrate what they know.

E = Examine

Students need to examine the entire test to see how
much they have to do. Only by knowing the entire task
can they break it down into parts that become
manageable for them.

T = Time

Once they have examined the entire test, they next
thing to do is to decide how much time they will spend
on each item.

If there are different points in one item or question, it is
important to plan to spend the most time on the items
that count for the most marks.

Planning their time is especially important for essay
writing tests where students must avoid spending too
much time on one item that they have little time left for
other test questions.

E = Easiest

The second E in DETER reminds the students to answer
the items they find easiest first.

If they get stuck on a difficult item that comes up early in
the test, they may not get to answer items that test
things they know.

R = Review

If the students plan their time correctly, they will have
time to review and check through their answers and
make them as complete and accurate as possible.

It is important that they review the test directions to be
certain they have answered all items required.

Using the DETER strategy, it can help the students do
better in tests and get better grades.


by Alvin Poh