City College of San Francisco
Course Outline of Record
I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A. Approval Date
B. Department
C. Course Number
D. Course Title
E. Course Outline Preparer(s)
March 2013
Learning Assistance
LERN 53D
Test Prep for Standardized Exams: CSET
Math
Jane Sneed, Nadine Rosenthal
F. Department Chair
Nadine Rosenthal
G. Dean
Lindy McKnight
II. COURSE SPECIFICS
A. Hours
B. Units
C. Prerequisites
Corequisites
Advisories
D. Course Justification
E. Field Trips
F. Method of Grading
G. Repeatability
Lecture: 8 total
.5
None
None
None
This brief review course is designed to
prepare students for the CSET - California
Subject Exams for Teachers: English. This
is the standardized exam that future K-12
teachers must pass prior to being hired as a
teacher for particular subjects.
No
Pass/No pass
0
III. CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This short-term course is designed to prepare students for standardized, timed tests. Each course
focuses on a single test or subtest. Specific content for each course is determined by the
particular test for which students are preparing.
IV. MAJOR LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course a student will be able to:
A. Access informational materials relevant to the CSET Math Exam
B. Analyze test format and content relevant to the CSET Math Exam
C. Differentiate among types of questions on the CSET Math Exam and formulate
appropriate responses
D. Analyze and adopt test taking and scoring strategies relevant to the CSET Math Exam
E. Adopt test-taking behavior that reduces anxiety and stress, and increases concentration.
F. Develop a plan for studying for the CSET Math Exam including evaluation of materials
and recommended resources, and making informed choices based on experience with and
knowledge of the exam.
CCSF, Learning Assistance, LERN 53D, Test Prep for Standardized Exams: CSET Math, March 2013, Page 1 of 3
V. CONTENTS
A. CSET Math overview
1. Format
2. Scoring standards
3. Estimating the answer
4. Solving algebra and geometry, and calculus problems
B. Types of questions on the CSET Math exam
1. Algebra and number theory
2. Geometry, probability, statistics
3. Calculus
C. History of mathematics
D. General test-taking strategies for taking standardized exams
1. Study planning
a. Study schedule: long and short term plans
b. Study time
c. Study resources
2. Time management during the exam
a. Pacing
b. Order of answering
E. Test-taking anxiety and stress management
1. Knowledge of the test itself
2. Test taking strategies generally
3. Mental imaging
4. Meditation skills
5. Sleep, diet, exercise
F. Guessing
1. When to guess
2. Various types of questions
3. Process of elimination for multiple choice questions
4. Techniques to use the test itself to formulate answers
G. Practice Exams
1. Practice CSET Math exams
2. Analysis of responses and comparing responses to correct answers
VI. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY
A. Assignments
1. In-class Assignments
a. Group discussions related to the CSET Math exam
b. Completion of instructor-prepared handouts
c. Completion of CSET practice exams
d. Evaluation of practice exam responses and answers
e. Development of a study plan for taking the CSET Math exam
2. Out-of-class Assignments
a. Completion of additional practice exams
b. Completion of teacher-prepared handouts
CCSF, Learning Assistance, LERN 53D, Test Prep for Standardized Exams: CSET Math, March 2013, Page 2 of 3
c. Creation of the study plan for taking the CSET Math exam
B. Evaluation
1. Active participation in group discussions
2. Completion of practice exams. (Official CSET Test Preparation books include practice
exams. Students will complete these practice exams at home, score them, and then
bring the results back to class for review.)
3. Completion of instructor-prepared handouts
4. Completion of a study plan for taking the CSET Math exam
C. Textbooks and other Instructional Materials
1. Mel Friedman, The Best Test Preparation for the CSET-Math, Research and Education
Associates, Piscataway, New Jersey, 20012
2. Sharon Wynne, CSET English 110, 111, 112 – The Difference is Clear, XAMonline,
Inc, Boston, MA 2011
3. Instructor-prepared handouts
VII. TITLE 5 CLASSIFICATION
CREDIT/DEGREE APPLICABLE (meets all standards of Title 5. Section 55002(a)).
CCSF, Learning Assistance, LERN 53D, Test Prep for Standardized Exams: CSET Math, March 2013, Page 3 of 3