As standardized testing season approaches, teachers will play a crucial role in helping students feel prepared, confident, and capable. Although SAT test prep can feel like a challenge, implementing effective strategies in the classroom can transform the way students approach exams. MasteryPrep offers unique insights and methods to empower educators to build test-taking skills while reinforcing content knowledge.
With the SAT’s recent transition to a digital format, preparing students for this standardized test requires a blend of robust content knowledge, critical thinking, and digital literacy. Educators face the challenge of not only covering essential material but also helping students acclimate to the new adaptive structure.
Drawing on insights from the MasteryPrep Boot Camp for the Digital SAT, here are a few innovative instructional strategies to integrate into the classroom for an engaging, effective Digital SAT preparation experience.
Instructional Strategy: Adaptive Practice Assignments
Consider designing practice sessions that become progressively challenging based on students’ performance. Start each session with a set of easier questions to boost confidence and gauge understanding. Gradually introduce more difficult questions as students demonstrate mastery. This helps build resilience and a sense of achievement, and allows students to experience the adaptive nature of the SAT in a controlled, low-stakes environment.
Instructional Strategy: The 4 E’s Guided Practice
Implement the 4 E’s approach during reading and writing exercises by guiding students through each step as they work on sample passages:
By modeling and allowing students time to practice this technique, educators can empower students to approach reading comprehension questions with a structured and strategic mindset. Additionally, reinforce this approach with post-practice reflections to identify areas for improvement.
Instructional Strategy: Pacing Exercises with Timer Awareness
Incorporate time-based challenges into classroom activities. For example:
These exercises help students build confidence with the pacing demands and provide insight into which areas might require additional focus. Time-based exercises can alleviate the stress of test-day timing by providing students with ample opportunities to practice pacing beforehand.
Instructional Strategy: Graphs and Diagrams Workouts
Incorporate graphs, diagrams, and tables into your math instruction to help students become comfortable interpreting visual data.
This exercise boosts students’ skills in interpreting data and visual information, empowering them to navigate the math section more effectively.
By integrating these instructional strategies, educators can create an environment where students are not only test-ready but also empowered with the skills, confidence, and exposure required to effectively navigate the assessment and increase achievement.
Dr. Mya Asberry is the Instructional Services Manager at MasteryPrep, specializing in instructional effectiveness and internal and external professional development. As a former Chief Academic Officer with over 20 years of educational experience, Dr. Asberry connects teachers and students with the resources and strategies that positively impact college readiness outcomes.