Praxis: Tips and Tricks

Any education major, and probably anyone who is friends with an education major, has heard of the Praxis Tests. What are the Praxis Tests?

They are tests that, "measure teacher candidates’ knowledge and skills. The tests are used for licensing and certification processes."

Below is a list of advice the Educational Testing Service provides for future educators on how to prepare for the Praxis Tests!

  1. Learn what the test will cover.
    • There are multiple different Praxis Tests. To ensure the best preparation for yours, be sure to research the specifications. ETS offers a free Study Companion. Their website states that, "Each Study Companion includes a comprehensive overview for the test, with detailed test descriptions and sample questions with answers and explanations to help you prepare." 
  2. Assess how well you know the content. 
    • You do not want to assume you are prepared only to be let down by the outcome of the test scores. By analyzing how well you know the content, you can avoid being disappointed by the test results. 
  3. Collect study materials. 
    • One cannot prepare for a tests without the proper study materials. Books and resources from past courses on the test material, your college-library's textbooks on this area, or even a high-school level textbook on the subject could be beneficial.  
  4. Plan and organize your time.
    • Avoid cramming for the test! By choosing a date to take the test, and using the time between without procrastinating, you can best prepare. Working backwards from the test date to analyze how much time you should allow yourself is key. 
  5. Develop a study plan.
    •  This should begin when you work backwards from your test date. Set goals, and assess what skills and knowledge you know you should focus on. 
  6. Practice explaining the key concepts.
    •  What are the key concepts and why should you be able to explain them? ETS explains:
      • "The Praxis® Subject Assessment constructed-response tests assess your ability to explain material effectively. As a teacher, you'll need to be able to explain concepts and processes to students in a clear, understandable way."
  7. Understand how questions will be scored.
    • Knowing how the test is scored can help to know what areas are of high importance. ETS offers study information in the Study Companion for each of the Praxis Tests. 
Follow these tips and be confident in your ability to do great! You got this!

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