Whenever our children revise for tests, we usually add a quick pep talk on test-taking strategies which includes:

• Not rushing through the test but maximizing the allotted time
• Reading the instructions before answering questions
• Reading the questions completely before answering them because the beginning of the questions may be familiar, but the tweak may be at the end of it
• Double checking answers before submission.

When they return home with their scripts we also review and work on the areas for improvement. In going through, just by following the listed strategies, they often say “oh, I know why I missed that one, I didn’t see that part…I forgot to…”

Oftentimes it isn’t not knowing the content but not just taking the time to mind the gaps that deplete them of the best possible grade. I tell them that sometimes the difference between ‘A’ and ‘B’ grades or ‘B’ and ‘C’ grades may be in re-reading their works and possibly identifying and correcting obvious errors. This isn’t about perfection but about learning to strive for excellence. They know that and would usually say “practice makes progress.”

The same principle applies to their homework. When they ask for help, we don’t just jump into teaching mode, we redirect them to read the questions again and ask probing questions. Somehow, they figure it eventually and learning takes place. That approach really helps because often we don’t know ourselves except, we research. For instance, if it’s a math problem we tell them to work it out in the approach they were taught, and we do the same alongside using the approach we were taught. In the end, we, compare answers if they’re the same or not. If the answers are the same then, they know that they’ve done it correctly. If not, we have to justify our answers to each other and see which is correct.

So how does double-checking answers before submission find a practical application? We got the opportunity today.

All year, Oche had waited patiently for the release of Madden NFL 19 – Xbox One video game. Once it was released, he reminded me for a purchase.

Me: “Here’s my debit card. Follow the instruction on the screen and fill out my information. When you’re done don’t submit, call me and let’s go through it together before you pay.”

Oche: “Ok, dad.”

Then I withdrew to the dining area so as to give him some space.

Oche: “Dad, I’m done.”

Me: (Back in the scene.) “Ok, so this is the summary of your order. Now, let’s be sure that the information is correct. The first letters of the words in street address section should be in capital letters.”

Oche: “Ok.” (Done).

Me: “Next, look at our house number. Do think it needs correction?”

Oche: “Oh, I see. I switched (# & #), sorry I was too excited.” (He quickly made the correction.)

Me: “Exactly. Now everything looks good, you can submit your order.”

Order submitted. Game available on Xbox. Receipt confirmed in the email.

Oche: “Yeah!!! Thanks, dad.” 🕺🏾🕺🏾🕺🏾

Me: “You’re welcome (hug). Now a quick one, so what do you think would have happened if you had submitted without a second look and correction.”

Oche: “I would have lost the money?”

Me: “Yes. (I deliberately didn’t tell him that if the information entered on the order didn’t match the actual card details the order would have probably been declined. But we don’t want to want to test it out though 😀). Or maybe you could have ordered it to the house number you entered at first.”

Oche: “Hmm.” (Nodding.)

Me: “What does it remind you of – something mom and I are always saying anytime you have a test?”

Oche: “Don’t rush through and double-check your answer.”

Me: “That’s right! See how they can help outside school? Also, if it was a test, and you had rushed through without double checking, you could have lost marks for not using capital letters in our street address name, and for the mistake in our house number. That’s why sometimes people score a ‘B’ instead of an ‘A,’ or a ‘C’ instead of a ‘B’ or even a fail instead of a pass. Mom and I always double check our orders before we pay. I also double-check my reports at work before submitting them. I hope that you’ll use this to remind yourself.”

Oche: “Yes, dad. Thank you.”

Hug

• 8/10/18