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Speeding up v accuracy

Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 11:17 am
by Guest
My daughter is struggling with the time factor. Have done 3 bright sparks - did 1st one to time limit and she scored 71%. This totally shattered her confidence. So I decided to let her do the next one with no time limit. without believing she had the pressure of time she finished the whole paper in 55 minutes and only got one wrong (which was a word she didn't know). The next one I said we would do to time again...as soon as I told her she was half way through she went to pieces again and got 72%.

When doing the test to time the whole idea of only having a set time seems to panic her - she then makes mistakes across every question type. She finished the paper when there was a time limit but with errors on most sections. There is no pattern to her errors. She can do every type of question and sometimes had got the question right on her working out (such as type z) but then marked the wrong answer on the sheet.

We've talked through techniques for speeding up and she's doing everything I can think of.

Do I keep going letting her do the papers with no time limit to improve accuracy (and confidence) or not. I was going to start the NFEr ones this weeknd. I am concerned that if she deos them to time now she will loose even more confidence but, if she doesn't, on the day when she knows it is to time, she will panic.

Any advice on how to approach this or how to help her speed up even more so she knows she can do it in the time.

Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 11:30 am
by Mike Edwards
Hi

The topic on completing questions in a time limit comes up a lot.

The problems are mainly about rushing and getting anxious.

A technique we use for the 80 question in 50 minutes papers is to let the student know that they have 37 seconds to answer each question.

Ask her to sit quietly for 37 seconds, she will realise that this is quite a long time.

Give her time checks every ten minutes, she should be answering 16 questions per ten minute block. When she is achieving this, give her 15 minute time checks, then 20 minute time checks and finally a time check five minutes before the end of the paper.

We think it is best for there not to be a visible clock in the room when the students are being timed.

It is advisable for students with time issues to leave Z type question until the end of the test. As these take most time to complete and are only worth one mark.

Hope this helps

Regards

Mike

Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 1:51 pm
by Guest
Thanks Mike for this advice - I will try your suggestions over the next week.

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 10:05 am
by Bo Peep
Thanks Mike, that is really excellent advice.

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 1:02 pm
by patricia
Dear Guest

Are you taking the Bucks test via an independent school or out of area? I ask because the first test is tomorrow and therefore NFER should now be mostly completed.

Time element.If you look at my tips post, I believe children should NOT be hung up on the 'fact' that at halfway they should be on question 40. It all depends on the running order of the types, if the first half contains long codes, bracket maths etc then they will probably not be any where near 40. If the first half contains 'quicker' types they may be on 45/50, but must not think they are ' doing well' the codes etc may be coming.

I continually give my children time limits depending on the type, when long codes come up they know and say to themselves, 'yes I know these will take a bit longer, but it doesn't matter, they are easy marks and I will not panic'

A block of 7/8 long codes [c] ....6 mins

A block of 6 number/word codes [n] ....4/5 mins

A block of 7 bracket maths [k]....3/4 minutes

A block of 7 letter starts/finishes 4 words [a]....100 seconds

A block of 7 1 letter moves over to make 2 new words. [j].....100 secs

Of course these are very approximate, the children get to know roughly how long a section will take.

The key is not to panic and not to think they HAVE to be in a certain position at a certain time, because it varies on every paper depending on the order of types.

Good Luck

Patricia

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 1:45 pm
by NL3
Patricia
As always, wonderful advice. What "types" are the last three questions you mention? Really struggling with timing at the moment. Any hints to build up stamina and maintain concentration and focus.
Many Thanks
NL3

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 3:21 pm
by patricia
Dear NL3

Have edited the types of the last three into my post, thanks for spotting.

Patricia