Effects of Training in Test-Taking Skills on Achievement Test Performance: A Quantitative Synthesis

To estimate the effectiveness of training programs in test-taking skills on elementary and secondary achievement, test performance quantitative indices of effect magnitude were calculated from statistical data in 24 studies. The mean of the study-weighted effect sizes is .33 which suggests average percentiles on learning outcomes of 63 and 50 respectively for experimental and control groups. Training programs which continue for five weeks or longer produce significantly greater average achievement gains than programs conducted for shorter periods of time. The results support recommendations for programs of training in test-taking skills for elementary and secondary school students.