Tuesday, October 30, 2007

GED 2011

I recently attended the Wisconsin GED and Adult Literacy Conference. I learned that a new series of GED tests are scheduled to come out i n 2011. Not a lot of information yet, but stay tuned. As I learn more, I will be posting in this blog.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

GED Math

For a student who simply wants to "pass"the GED, it is tempting to spend little time on the math portion. For some students, those who have a fairly good foundation in math concepts, that is ok. But for those students who don't have a good foundation, this can be disastrous. Those students typically want to "bounce" around from topic to topic.

When tutoring my GED math students, I use an analogy of a mason building a brick house. Each brick represents a math concept. You must first lay a solid foundation of basic whole number understanding. If you skip or skim over a concept, it will weaken your house. Start with a solid foundation and then lay each brick of knowledge thoughtfully and in the right order.

Students don't always know what that order is. They either need a tutor, or a good GED math book.

GED Math Help

Monday, August 27, 2007

GED Math Dictionary

Did you know..... is, is equal to, equals, the same MEANS = of, the product, times, multiple, multiplied by MEANS x or ∙ add, more than, plus, sum, increased by, added to, more MEANS + subtract, less than, minus, difference, decreased by, less MEANS - divide, divided by, the quotient MEANS ÷ double, twice, twice as much MEANS 2x or 2 ∙ half, half of, half as much MEANS ½ x or ½ ∙


A great math dictionary to use for preparing for the GED test is Usborne Illustrated Math Dictionary. It is a great bargain and less than $15.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

GED: General Education Diploma

The acronym GED stands for General Education Diploma. There are 5 tests, called a Battery, that make up the GED tests. They are Language Arts, Reading; Language Arts, Writing; Science; Social Studies; and Mathematics.

These five tests measure the knowledge found in those areas. The GED tests are timed tests that can vary from 65 minutes to 2 hours.

Depending on where you are located, you may need to take the entire battery of GED tests in one or two sittings. Other places will allow you to test one test at a time.

It is important that you contact your local official GED Testing Center to find out the specific GED requirements for your location.

Thursday, August 09, 2007

GED Testing

When you are taking the GED practice and official tests, you should answer the questions that you know right away and leave the rest. Don't spend alot of time on those you don't know, go back to them later.

If you find your self out of time, but still have unanswered questions, do NOT leave any of the answers blank. Quickly fill in an answer, any answer. At least you will have a chance of picking the right one.

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

GED: 50 Math Skills You Need to Know to Pass the GED Math Test




A great deal for only $5!

Taking the GED Mathematics test can be very stressful if you do not properly prepare.

In my 10+ years of teaching GED prep, I have learned that many GED candidates do not have the math skills required to feel confident to take the math test.

And confidence is the KEY! For some individuals, a quick brush up is all that they need, while others may require direct instruction or tutoring to get the GED math help they require.

A good math GED workbook is also always a must!

There are 50 skills that are necessary to know in order to pass the GED Mathematics test. 31 are listed below. They are:

* Make estimates
* Arrange decimals
* Order of operations
* Solve problems using decimals (+, -, x, ÷)
* +, -, x, ÷ decimals
* Compare fractions, decimals, and percents
* Calculate percent
* Solve problems using fractions (+, -, x, ÷)
* Understand rate
* Understand angle relationships
* Evaluate and solve formulas
* +, -, x, ÷ whole numbers
* Write equations to solve word problems
* Interpret bar graphs
* Simplify fractions
* Work with algebraic equations
* Understand ratio and proportion
* Calculate Slope of a Line
* Understand discount and sales tax
* Interpret circle graphs
* Mean
* Understand units of measurement
* Change units of measurement
* Solve for area, perimeter, and volume
* Calculate simple interest
* Understand Pythagorean relationship
* Write algebraic expressions
* Identify patterns
* Identify points on a linear equation
* Understand multiple line graphs
* Use two sources of data



McGraw Hill has put ALL 50 GED Skills into one book.
Top 50 Math Skills for GED Success

Click here to learn more

Friday, July 27, 2007

GED Practice Test

If you can, take one official GED test at a time. You will be less tired and will receive a better score than if you try to take as many tests as possible in one session. If you decide to double up on GED tests, only double up on the Language Arts, Reading and one other. I do realize that in some states, you MUST take all the tests in one sitting.... but ask before you sign up. One test at a time is my suggestion.

Monday, July 23, 2007

GED Book Sale

I don't usually do this, but this is such a great deal, that I wanted you to know about this GREAT GED sale that I am having. Check out this link to find out about GED books for $5 or less! If you are tutoring students, or you are currently studying for your GED, then this may be the sale for you.

You may wonder why I am reducing inventory. I am getting rid of some of my GED books because I plan on bringing in other GED materials and I need the space!

For a great deal, check out Super Savings on GED Books.

Monday, July 09, 2007

GED Math- A Closer Look

The GED test, Mathematics, will test your ability to solve word problems using graphics, basic computation, analysis, and reasoning skills.

 Will test your ability to apply your knowledge of math in mathematical problems.
 Will test your ability to apply your knowledge of math in everyday situations.
 Will test your ability to analyze mathematical drawings, diagrams, charts, and graphs.
 Will test your knowledge in the following mathematical areas: number operations and number sense, measurement and data analysis, , basic algebra-its functions and patterns, and geometry.
 Number operations and number sense includes knowledge in the following: whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, and proportions,
 Measurement and data includes knowledge in the following: length, perimeter, circumference, area, volume, and time. It also includes knowledge of square roots, exponents, and scientific notation.
 Basic algebra includes knowledge in the following: variables, equations, algebraic symbols, coordinate grid, factoring, ordered pairs, and slope.
 Basic Geometry includes knowledge in the following: lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, and Pythagorean Relationship. It also includes knowledge in finding perimeter, circumference, area, and volume.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

GED Resources

If you are a GED teacher or student you probably realize that finding good free resources on the internet is possible, but sometimes it's like finding a needle in a haystack! And if you find these FREE resources, many times they are not what they seem. The links don't work, or the worksheets and books are not designed for adults.... but for children. The graphics are childish and not something that I would give to my students. But there are some great sites with good worksheets such as Learningtrends. Not only do they have free worksheets, but they also have basic math flashcards that you can download for free!

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Reading is the KEY to your GED

Getting your GED could change your life! It may allow you to obtain a promotion at work or, perhaps, get you a job!

As a GED teacher and mentor, I have helped guide hundrends of adults to get his/her GED. It has not always been an easy process. Some did not complete, some completed in less than 6 months, while others took a year or more.

In my experience, the major key is reading! The better your reading ability, the better and faster you will complete your GED tests. So, read...read...read. Pick up a book and read to your child or niece or nephew. Pick up the newspaper and read each and every day.


All the GED tests involve reading, so grab a book, any book, and read!

Want to read and learn GED material at the same time? A great book is the

Thursday, June 07, 2007

GED Practice Tests

If a students has a fairly high reading level, at least 10+, they should do fairly well on a GED Practice Predictor test. There are practice tests in all five areas of the GED.

My recommendation is to take a Predictor GED test, in the area that you will be testing, PRIOR to the test date. It will do three things for you: give you a sense of timing (all the GED tests are timed); give you a sense of what will be on the test; and, it will give you an idea of how well you should do on the "official" GED test.

As a general rule, if you score 500 or better on the practice predictor GED test, and you stayed within the time limit..... you should do ok on the "real" GED test.

Where can you find or purchase a predictor test? Check out your local Adult Learning Center or send us an email at instructors@learningtrends.com and we will be happy to quote you a price.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

GED study materials

when considering GED study materials, there will be many choices. My suggstion would be to either purchase a Pre- GED book or materials depending on your reading ability. There are also great web sites for GED prep.