LBS 203: CBEST Math Reflection

Name: LaDonna Troullier

Instructions: Take CBEST Practice Test in Math. Keep in mind that the goal is to learn
more about your strengths and needs—you will not be graded on your score. Correct your
test, paying attention to the types of questions you did well on and the ones that you
missed. Answer the following questions according to your experience. Be specific and
detailed in your responses.

1.Describe your mood as you took the CBEST practice exam in math. How did you
feel as you took the test? Do you think this affected your performance (positively or
negatively)?

When I took this practice math test I felt good because I was determined to stay positive. Math
has never been my strong subject and I get anxiety anytime I think about having to take a math
test, but I realize that in order to be a great teacher I need to conquer the fear of math. So while
taking this practice test I kept that in mind. I felt like some of the questions were really hard and
I couldn’t remember how to do them, but once I saw the answers it all came back to me. I really
needed this refresher on how to do some of these problems. I think the fact that I stayed positive
really did help me not have a mental break down.

2. Based on your results, which types of questions were easiest for you?

I found the estimating problems, really easy for me and also some of the fractions problems. Of
course I did really good on the basic math problems such as addition, subtraction, division, and
multiplication. I also did really good on the geometry questions, like finding the X value in an
angle. Finding the average was also easy for me and something I have always remembered and
been good at. I have always enjoyed doing problems that involved graphs and I also did really
good on the graph problems. Finding the missing value in the chart was also easy for me and I
find those fun.

3. Which types of questions were difficult for you?

I had a lot of trouble with most of the word problems. After I read the answers and explanations I
realized that I was overthinking most of the problems and just had the mindset that all word
problems are really overwhelming for me. I got really confused on the ones about combinations.
I really need to practice those. I also found myself having a lot of trouble with the questions with
percentages in them. For example, the question about commission. I found some of the “solve for
x” problems really challenging and just scary to look at, I didn’t even know where to begin. I felt
like I could also use some practice on my fractions with whole numbers. I also realized I need to
memorize my measurements and units. Overall I think the practice test was pretty hard for me,
80 percent of the material I needed a refresher on.
4. Which specific strategies did you use as you took the exam?

One important strategy that I had was to take my time and work my answers out on a piece
of paper. I had to be by myself with no distractions as if I were really taking the test, and I
also took the test in the morning after breakfast to see if I would really be more focused. I’m
not sure if breakfast really made a difference but I did have more energy by doing the test in
the morning after a goods nights rest. My most important strategy was staying positive and
believing in myself because I always get discouraged when it comes to math. I also found it
helpful to write rules down on my paper. For example, PEMDAS. Last I checked my
answers after I was done and found many silly mistakes I made.

5. What do you think you need to do to receive a passing grade on this part of the
CBEST? What are your next steps? Be specific.

I really really need lots of practice on the math part. Math has never been my strong subject, and
I have always been afraid of math. My goal is to practice so much that I get over my fear of
math. My next steps are to find more practice test online and keep taking them until I am
confident that I will pass this portion of the CBEST. I also want to practice everyday so I can get
this test out of the way and become a teacher already.