Small changes to test prep — and the day of the big test — can reap huge rewards. Learn about these brain-friendly strategies that work.

Cognitive science — the study of thought, learning and mental organization — tells us a lot about getting students primed to succeed on tests.

This resource outlines some practices that can help as you approach tests — and even on the day of the test:
1. Use retrieval to lock learning in long-term.
2. Mix up question types with interleaving.
3. Instead of cramming, space out practice.
4. Happiness is powerful.
5. Time of day matters.
6. Soak up the sun.
7. Breaks are essential.
8. Get up and move, move, move.

"Brothers Mike and Matt use a combination of live action and animation to take viewers on a journey of learning and self-discovery. Join Cajun Koi Academy to supercharge study sessions, level up on self-improvement, and embrace a positive mindset." (Common Sense Media)

Copyright & Creativity for Ethical Digital Citizens is a full K-12 suite of resources for teaching copyright, fair use, public domain, and Creative Commons. They have free resources for educators, which include:
• in-class lesson plans
• plug-n-play lesson slides
• independent learning videos
• visual aids
• a professional development course for teachers
All resources were developed on a nonprofit basis with input from independent educators, academic copyright experts, and online civil liberties advocates.

Do you have students who struggle to prepare for exams? suffer from test anxiety? need some new tips?
This resource has everything you need to run an exam preparation and study skill "crash course". Included in this resource are a teacher powerpoint, student study guide booklet (that pairs with the powerpoint), a parent newsletter (supporting your child during exam time), and additional information on overcoming test anxiety.

Looking for public speaking tips? Learn five ways to help ensure your next speech is a success.

The five tips are:
1. Know your subject and your speech;
2. Know your audience and your space;
3. Never apologize;
4. Imagine yourself giving a great speech; and
5. Focus on your message, not on yourself.

"In need of study tips, school skills, or college application support? Gohar Khan has your teen covered—often in 60 seconds or less! His videos guide students through school skills such as mastering the art of the essay, completing homework efficiently, and improving memorization skills. Gohar uses his own experiences, a relatable tone, and relevant materials to connect with and engage his audience." (Common Sense Media)

Information processing model: Sensory, working, and long term memory (video)

Learn about the information processing model of human memory.

"Kids can do anything, and Kize Bae is here to show them how. Tackling a new hobby in each video, her goal is simple: to show improvement in 30 days. Whether she's learning how to sing, play soccer, or solve a Rubik's Cube, her can-do attitude is bound to encourage viewers to try new things. Her tips on staying motivated and curious help promote life skills that teens can apply at home, in school, and in their relationships." (Common Sense Media)

*learn new hobbies
*learn new skills
*music challenge
*30 day challenge

Learner Sketch Tool. The Learner Sketch Tool (LST) is an online tool designed to provide learners with a personalized profile and strategies to improve learning outcomes, and educators with information and strategies for strengths-based conversations that support every learner's growth and success.

PLEASE ALSO SEE THE LEARNER PROFILE COLLECTION TO ASSIST YOU IN BUILDING FULL LEARNER PROFILES FOR YOUR STUDENTS. Click "Discover" then "Collections" to find this collection. Consider including learning styles, personality types, strengths, prefernces, etc.

This 7 minute video talks about how your brain works and how it can help you learn. This is a great video for kids to learn more about themselves and help develop metacognition to become a successful learner.

This document will provide students with their strengths and suggest ways to learn and consolidate their learning based on their multiple intelligences.

This free guide from RetrievalPractice.org will help you understand retrieval practice and how to get the most out of it.

Just a few strategies include:
- Clickers or Colored Index Cards
- Bell Work or Exit Tickets
- Page Protectors with Dry Erase Markers

The package also offers a handy "RETRIEVAL PRACTICE IMPLEMENTATION CHECKLIST".

Strategies for Academic Success accompanies the online first-year University of Saskatchewan Arts and Science course by the same name. The textbook has a reader-friendly format arranged to help you develop the essential skills and provide the information you need to succeed in university.

This is a series of toolkits for older students.

The toolkits allow students to explore a topic, watch videos on the content, and apply what they learn.

Topics include:
Interacting with profs, library skills, managing your time, preparing for exams, presentation skills, reading textbooks, taking notes, thinking critically, working in groups, and writing.

A wealth of ideas to help you learn to study.

Included: general tips, skill guides, test taking, skills by subject.

Use the study tips outlined for your first learning preference and then reinforce what you  are learning with tips from your second preference.

This resource has many great suggestions on how to avoid being distracted by technology when studying and how to use technology to your advantage.

What can students do to make learning really stick?

Cognitive science tells us it's NOT to re-read our notes or textbook.

Instead, practice "retrieval" -- recalling what we've learned out of our brains, not our books.

This post outlines 10 simple tips and strategies you can use in class to make learning long-term, including:
1. Brain dumps
2. Two things
3. Retrieve taking (instead of note taking)
4. Student-produced quizzes
5. Guided conversation
6. Now, then, and way back
7. Self testing
8. Recall information visually
9. Retrieval mapping
10. White board exit ticket

"Say goodbye to the time crunch! This video provides practical time management tips and strategies to help teens bring better balance to their lives. It is possible to achieve academic and extracurricular goals while staying well rounded—let this video guide the way." (Common Sense Media)

Tips are included for all of the learning styles to help learners do their very best and meet with success!