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How to Keep Students Engaged Before a Big Test

Big tests can be stressful for students, and as a teacher, keeping them engaged in the days leading up to an exam can be a challenge. Instead of last-minute cramming or losing their attention, try these creative strategies to keep your students focused, motivated, and confident before test day!


1. Turn Review into a Game

Nothing gets students engaged like a little friendly competition! Instead of another lecture, transform your review session into a game:

  • Kahoot! or Quizizz – Create a fun, interactive quiz where students compete in real time.

  • Escape Room Review – Set up a series of biology questions that students must answer correctly to “unlock” the next clue.

  • Jeopardy-Style Challenge – Divide students into teams and have them compete to answer test-related questions.

  • Card Sort Activities – Provide students with sets of vocabulary words, processes, or matching questions and answers. They must correctly sort and organize them into categories (e.g., mitosis vs. meiosis, types of macromolecules).

  • Interactive Google Slides – Design drag-and-drop activities where students match definitions, label diagrams, or sequence processes directly in Google Slides.

  • Digital Boom Cards – Use these self-checking, interactive flashcards to help students review concepts at their own pace.

Games tap into students’ natural love of competition and make reviewing fun instead of stressful.

Need ready to use Boom Cards, Interactive Google Slides or Card Sort Activities- Check out my No Prep TPT Resources Today !

2. Incorporate Movement

Sitting for long periods can lead to disengagement. Get students moving with:

  • Gallery Walks – Post key questions around the room, and have students walk in small groups, discussing and writing their answers.

  • Four Corners – Assign different answers to each corner of the room, and students move to the corner they think is correct.

  • Speed Dating Review – Students pair up and answer a question, then rotate to a new partner for the next question.

Movement helps with memory retention and keeps energy levels high!

3. Use Student-Led Teaching

Let students be the teacher by having them explain concepts to their peers. This can be done through:

  • Think-Pair-Share – Students think about an answer, discuss with a partner, then share with the class.

  • Teach the Teacher – Students create and present mini-lessons on key concepts.

  • Jigsaw Method – Each student becomes an “expert” on one topic and then teaches their group.

When students explain material, they retain it better!

4. Make It Real-World

Help students see the real-world connections of what they’re studying. Try:

  • Case Studies – Give students a real-life medical case and have them diagnose the patient based on biology concepts.

  • Science in the News – Discuss how biology plays a role in current events (e.g., CRISPR, climate change, pandemics).

  • Career Connections – Show how test topics relate to real careers in medicine, genetics, or environmental science.

When students see why the material matters, they stay engaged!

5. Reduce Test Anxiety with a Positive Mindset

Many students disengage before a test because they feel overwhelmed. Help them manage anxiety with:

  • Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises – A few minutes of deep breathing can calm nerves.

  • Growth Mindset Reminders – Encourage students by reminding them that mistakes help them learn.

  • Test-Taking Strategies – Teach students simple tips like eliminating wrong answers first or using context clues.

A relaxed, confident student is more likely to stay engaged and perform well!

Final Thoughts

The days before a big test don’t have to be dull or stressful. By making review sessions interactive, engaging, and student-centered, you can keep your class focused and motivated. Try incorporating a few of these strategies and watch your students walk into test day feeling prepared and confident!

What’s your go-to method for keeping students engaged before a big test? Share your ideas in the comments below!

Are you or your students preparing for the Biology EOC STAAR exam? Boost confidence and improve test scores with my FREE 30-question multiple-choice practice exam! ✅ Subscribe and Sign up to our email list!


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