Test-wiseness training with sixth and seventh-grade students and its effect on standardized achievement test scores.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine whether a test-wiseness training program would improve the academic achievement scores of sixth and seventh grade middle school students. Student achievement was measured in the areas of reading, language, mathematics, and work study skills. The assessment instrument utilized was the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). Comparisons were made between students who received the test-wiseness training program in the areas of reading, language, mathematics, and work study skills and those who did not. Ethnic group comparisons were established for Anglo, African-American, Hispanic, and Asian students for each of the academic areas tested. Additionally, student comparisons were made with gender as a variable. The test-wiseness training program lasted 24 weeks and consisted of 36 lessons, including practice tests. The sample consisted of 223 sixth and seventh grade students, 104 who received the training and 119 who did not. The findings of the study indicated that there was a significant difference in three of the four subject-area variables which were examined. In each of the variables which were examined, there was a difference in means, leading to the conclusion that test-wiseness training may produce higher academic achievement scores (levels).