Know It First, Then Go To The School

Ok, im convinced. I've been in the passenger seat of my husbands truck for a while now. After a couple of months i secretly said to myself i'll wait to get to the school and learn the correct way. Well thats not going to work. The past pace of the schools is not going to allow that, for me anyway. Learn it all then go to the school to review and test. My new philosophy. Im doing more practice testing. My first one? 60%. Thats a smack in the head.

I think people learn in different ways. A lot of people prefer a classroom with someone explaining things. I've always done better learning on my own (with someone available to ask if I need help), probably because I'm too stubborn to listen to anyone ;). I guess someone who is serious and wants to put in the effort will do both. There's a lot to learn, so knowing a lot of it before you get there is definitely a good idea.

One thing that I don't see mentioned here often is the idea of "teaching to the test". The fact is that you can pass the CDL tests by finding sample tests online and taking them over and over until you know the answers. But tests are really meant to be a check of what you've learned, not necessarily representative of everything you should know. The school I went to recommended reading the state CDL manual over and over, and one instructor had us read sections and we had to take a certain number of pages of notes from it. I think that's a really good idea, so that students actually know the info in the manual and not just the answers to the commonly asked questions.

In any case, good luck!

I write down the key to a statement. Once its written down it sticks in the brain. But after so much time goes by its also there for review. What gets me on these tests is EXCEPT. All statements are true except: Just cant wrap my head around those. But im working on it.

Nancy has an "exception" problem:

What gets me on these tests is EXCEPT. All statements are true except: Just cant wrap my head around those. But im working on it.

Yes, that's a nasty word for any test taker. Your brain is set for finding the right answer, then, with EXCEPT, you need to put your thinking into reverse.

Suggestion: if you see EXCEPT in a question, literally tell yourself "OK, which of these answers is wrong?" Really - decide to look for a wrong answer.

(I've taught school for over ten years, and had to prep all my students for all those year-end tests. Shifting gears like this is what you have to do.)

Well i think its deeper than that. Im not reading the question. Im bored and want to move on. That means i probably think im too smart for all this which tells me im a dumn ass and need to do it again. And again. Read somewhere on TT to "read the question, read the answers, then read the question again". Trying that. Seem to work.

Haha!

I think Nancy just wants to get in the drivers seat and get this whole program underway! I understand that completely.

Take your time Nancy. Everything your doing now is foundational, and if you can build a good foundation for this career you'll be doing yourself a huge favor.