Our Washington, DC Program Manager, Matt, outlines the importance of skill development and practice in test prep, and what sets them apart.
As the summer winds down, so too does summer SAT Prep. On top of my program management duties, I have been delivering SAT prep to private students at Lana this summer. While the SAT remains largely the same as the years go by, I still learn something new with every program. My key takeaway from this summer’s SAT programs is the distinction between skill development and practice. One cannot exist without the other, but focus needs to be distributed evenly between both. If too much time is spent on practice, we may fall short on skill development and visa versa. For those interested in tutoring or studying for the SAT themselves, read on for some key takeaways:
Skill Development
Standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT test students on their ability to apply academic skills efficiently to find the best answer to a problem. As a result, a key part of being prepared for the SAT is having domain-specific knowledge. For example, one should have a solid understanding of Standard English Conventions to answer 25% of the questions on the Reading & Writing section of the SAT; understanding subject-verb agreement rules, knowing the difference between a comma and a semicolon, and being able to place an apostrophe correctly are just a few skills that one needs to master to confidently tackle these questions. As a result, if a student is lacking confidence in this particular area, they need to spend time developing this specific skill.
Rather than spend time practicing endless Standard English Conventions questions, they should engage in other forms of studying. Some examples include flash cards, correcting improper sentences, or reading challenging books. Once the root skill is developed, the student will have the confidence to answer related questions efficiently. Skill development allows students to enhance their knowledge, accuracy, and efficiency. Only when the skill is developed can students confidently move into practice tests.
Practice Tests
In every SAT program I’ve led, I’ve started with the following mantra: the best way to improve on the SAT is to take the SAT. To hone any skill, it is critical to perform the action you are trying to achieve. Planning out low-stakes practice tests allows students to apply the skills they’ve developed to the test that they are preparing for. Put simply, students learn what it feels like to take the test. They learn how to:
- Use the process of elimination.
- Work under a time limit.
- Review difficult questions.
- Identify areas where they need to grow.
Taking practice tests, or even smaller practice modules, allows students to help themselves grow. At the end of the day, students are on their own for the official SAT. It is important that they develop self-efficacy and the drive to perform their best on test day.
A Key Distinction: Balance
Both skill development and practice tests are critical for test prep, but it is important to balance them. Spending too much time on skill development may not allow students to develop time management and other SAT-specific skills. Too much time spent on practice tests may increase test anxiety and not effectively reinforce domain-specific skills that the student needs to grow in. A healthy balance of skill development and practice tests are essential to effective test prep.
Conclusion
Skill development and practice tests are critical for maximizing students’ SAT scores, but a healthy balance between both is crucial as well. When preparing for the SAT or ACT, make sure you utilize one area to work effectively in another. Use practice tests to diagnose which skills you need to develop. Then, spend time in a low-stakes, repetitive learning environment to hone those skills. Once you’ve honed them, return to practice SAT questions, then full-length practice tests. Repeat this method, and you are sure to see your scores grow.
Interested in one of Lana’s test prep programs? Reach out today to learn more!