Helping You in a Learning or Testing Challenge in School or Work

Art will help students and business people to master the distinctive skills of both learning (putting information in) and test taking (accessing the information that is there).

For Learning

There are a number of strategies and tactics for improving learning skills. It is helpful to find out what kind of learner you are. You might be a blocked learner – someone who does not like or enjoy learning. You might be an open learner – someone who is willing to learn something when it is absolutely necessary, but will not go out of your way to learn anything. You might be a life-long learner – someone who is curious and asks lots of questions about things, who gets excited by learning new things, and who keeps learning no matter what your age, education, and experience. Each of these different attitudes toward learning requires a different approach in order to improve. Art can help you discover what kind of learner you are – and it can be different for different learning topics.

There is a field of learning called Action/Reflection learning. It is based on the idea that there are three different time zones when we can learn, (1) before we do something, (2) while we are doing something, and (3) after we have done something. Our traditional educational systems are devoted to Zone 1. Often overlooked are the opportunities to learn while doing and to learn after doing. Action/Reflection learning is a discipline that focuses on Zone 2 and 3. Art can help companies and individuals take advantage of all three learning zones.

Adults learn differently from children. Men learn differently from women. Art will introduce learners to research-based information that can enhance their ability to learn more easily and quickly.

For Test Taking

There are a number of strategies and tactics for improving scores on tests. Some of these focus more on the mental/emotional state of the test taker, while others focus more on things like how to manage time better and understanding how to best answer different kinds of questions. Types of tests generally fall into categories such as mathematics, multiple choice, true or false, matching, or essay. For each of these Art can assist in helping to bring the best methods for doing well in each category.

There are also many general guidelines for making sure you have done your best. For instance, it is a testing “best practice” to read the directions carefully to make sure you know what kind of answer the testers are looking for – and finding out if there is a penalty for “guessing”: sometimes tests take off more points for a wrong answer than for a question that is left unanswered.

It helps to look over the entire test, if that is possible. Make a note of specific words in questions. Sometimes the answer to a previous question is contained in a later question. Jot down key formulas or memorized info on a scratch paper for future reference. Answer questions first that have the highest point value. Answer the easy questions, and write down the number of the ones you are not sure of on your scratch paper. Come back when you have answered all the ones you are sure of, and then tackle the ones whose numbers you wrote down. On essay tests, proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Art can help you to implement a full array of ways to improve your score on tests, certifying exams, and quizzes.