iLearn Practice Tips to Live By

Published: April 3, 2018, 3:49 p.m.

As spring approaches, teachers, students, and parents in the great state of Indiana have much for which to prepare. The iLearn measures student achievement from 3rd through 8th and 10th grade. The two-part testing system checks student understanding of English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. The combined results of these exams are used to measure the efficacy of the Indiana school system as a whole. Additionally, the class of 2019 will be required to pass the English and Mathematics portion for graduation. For those reasons, test preparation is paramount. Depending on your teaching style, you may use iLearn practice guides throughout the year, or only in the months leading up to exams. Either way, a program like that provided by USATestPrep can be invaluable to teachers and pupils alike. Our standards-based program allows you to integrate iLearn study into daily assignments, technology-enhanced practice, educational games, and more. The dynamic classroom assistant can even track progress and help students engage in performance-guided remediation. Further, USATestPrep provides an overview of the state standards for each grade level and subject. To help you get the most out of iLearn practice, we've compiled some study tips and strategies which will boost student performance. 1. Use Dynamic Lessons for Content Comprehension Since students learn in a variety of ways, teaching them with more than one tactic is the best route to encourage understanding. Incorporating games, bell ringers, videos, performance tasks, puzzles, and more can liven up test preparation and improve student retention. Group activities and periodic quizzes can also help pupils remember content under pressure. USATestprep ensures that all supplementary learning items are standards-based for optimal student comprehension. The program also includes understanding checks for the provided material, as seen below.   Memory retention is more natural when we care about what we're learning. That's why students get better grades in the classes which they enjoy. The obvious approach is to engage your class in innovative learning modules to spark their curiosity, imagination and, ultimately, their memories.

2. Familiarize Students with Test Mechanics

The iLearn consists of two parts, given between February and May. Each section includes English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. The ELA part is 3 hours and 45 minutes, while Math is given 2 hours. The result is a very long test for children to focus on and attempt to complete. Especially for younger or more restless pupils, practice is critical. Working with your students on practice exams and modules specifically designed for the iLearn is paramount in helping children endure such an extended set of tests. Since the test can be administered online or on paper, students should be familiarized with both options. If your class has sufficiently learned the material, testing should be easy. However, students can be intimidated by the iLearn. Allowing your pupils to track their progress with the class scoreboard function can encourage confidence in their abilities. Sometimes the difference between passing and failing is only believing you could pass.

3. Demystify Technology-enhanced Items

The iLearn makes use of technology-enhanced modules to assess student computer skills within the test setting. It would be a mistake to let your pupils encounter these types of questions on the exam only. Instead, assigning online coursework through USATestprep will familiarize your students with technology-enhanced items. Content such as drag-and-drop questions, graphs, visual representations and more are tailored to the iLearn standards and at your fingertips for classroom activities, homework and more. Assigning technology-enhanced modules on a regular basis will lead to higher student confidence when faced with the real test.

4. Improve Student Focus

Lengthy tests are challenging for students who have trouble focusing. Even if your class understands the concepts discussed empirically, they may not perform well on exams. To combat this problem try focus exercises or self-regulation techniques. In Canada, students are regularly trusted with greater control of their education. Teachers observe children and try to suggest ways to overcome stress, hyperactivity, and lethargy. Students are then expected to engage themselves when necessary to return focus to their lessons. The model of self-regulating can look different for each pupil. It may mean a student jogging to release unnecessary energy or approaching teachings in an unconventional way. In the US, flipped classrooms rely on students to manage their time at home and participate in engaging classroom modules as a group. The approach can only succeed if students are sufficiently invested in their education.   Favorite ways to improve focus in a group include breaking up long activities into short tasks, getting kids moving, utilizing attention breaks and playing memory games. With USATestprep, you can use flash cards, short videos, games, and puzzles to improve pupil concentration. Making learning fun and hands-on is a popular and effective method to help students take charge of their futures. Oftentimes, kids are expected to sit and listen to teachers riddle off facts, but their brains don't work that way. Switching up your routines can eliminate fidgeting and complaints in class.   5. Bolster Student Confidence Since students who feel comfortable and able will score better on exams, you need to pave the way for students to know they are capable. The scoreboard can help show students their improvement in a visual way. Meanwhile, audible praise can be a motivator for many pupils. Additionally, many children feel more confident when given greater responsibility.   An idea you may like is to create peer tutoring across grade levels. This approach allows each class to feel capable and take ownership of their understanding of the material. The National Education Association encourages peer tutoring to improve student performance. As a teacher, you have vested interest in your student's iLearn performance. Now you can have a partner in improving student test scores. Employing the help of a standards-based study and classroom model can lead you to a whole new way of encountering iLearn preparation.