Ok, so maybe I'm over reacting, but I have always had a problem taking tests. I totally understand the material and could lecture on it, but when I'm faced with a test, I sometimes hit a wall, mainly with essay tests. It is so frustrating because I studied, I outlined the essay, I understand the material, but when it comes to the writing of the essay, I just stare at the page and draw a blank. So, I was wondering, is this a learning disability or just a weakness in my abilities? Any help would be great. This is not a new problem, but I'm having an especially hard time with it right now.

Thanks,

Leia

KeepItSimpleStupid

Memory is either visual, verbal or kinestic (repitition). You may be wired such that your brain is mostly verbal.

Try taking one of these tests at home without the book.

If you have to close your eyes and talk about what you need to say to yourself. Then write cues and now try writing what you said.

It will be tough, but you have to find what works.

callmedoc

Unfortunately, it happens on take home essays as well. In this case it was final project essay. In the class I'm in, it is kind of like a test.

KeepItSimpleStupid

Any possibility you can use a voice recorder or record your thoughts on the computer orally and then transcribe the oral presentation?

callmedoc

Hmm, interesting idea. I may try that.

KeepItSimpleStupid

I went thru it too. Trying to figure out why I was getting poor grades in certain subjects and they did not appear to be related. I listed all the subjects I got a C or worse in from grade school and college and found a memory issue. I could only memorize by repitition.

So, I devised improvements and went from a 1.6 college GPA to a 4.0 GPA.