1- Focus on Learning and Let Test Scores Take Care of Themselves

Promoting effective learning is the ultimate test prep strategy. Proficient learners can process, retain, and retrieve information to answer questions, make decisions, and transfer their knowledge to other contexts– such as job searches, networking, and testing. As the psychologist Dr. Daniel T. Willingham explains, “Learning is like exercise. The more you exercise, the better you get at it.” By focusing on learning, test scores will take of themselves.

2- Create Evidence-Based Instructional Systems

Developing instructional systems for all subject areas (ESL, Reading, Math, Social Study, Science, Workforce, CTE, ITE, and Digital Literacy) that include curricula, textbooks, practice tests, online platforms, and teacher training materials is indispensable. Doing so adds rigor to your program and classes, fostering a culture of learning and success for all. To repeat Peter Senge, an American systems scientist, “Systems thinking is a discipline for seeing wholes. It is a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than things, for seeing ‘patterns of change’ rather than ‘static snapshots.”  And with the right instructional systems, nothing can stop your program from becoming the Harvard or Stanford of adult education. 

3- Equip Instructors and Volunteers with Effective Teaching Strategies

Equip all instructors and volunteers with evidence-based strategies to teach learners how to learn and test. Therefore, establishing a robust coaching system for instructors and volunteers is critical. They should master how learning happens and use data-driven instruction to drive learning— thus ensuring their hard work is not in vain.  

4- Provide Student-Centered Learning Materials

Offer learners materials that include step-by-step instructions, exercises, practice tests, and reflective questions. Why? Learners need to practice with high-quality resources until they become proficient. This is why CBL publishes learner-centered teaching materials to help learners distribute their practice sessions —to spend and maximize time on task. As Dr. Daniel T. Willingham explains, students must practice intentionally to improve their skills and performance.

5- Use Practice Tests and Quizzes to Drive Learning

Encourage learners to test their comprehension to sharpen their information retrieval strategies. For that reason, all CBL textbooks include practice tests and reflective questions to make instructors’ jobs easier. More importantly, do not confuse performance on practice tests with learning. Instead, use practice test data to address areas of weakness—and close comprehension gaps. 

In summary, implementing these high-impact teaching strategies can empower learners to overcome testing challenges and achieve their educational goals. For questions about how to transform your programs, contact us at teamcbl@cbledu.com.