GED Study Buddy

If you are struggling with your GED tests, I would recommend a GED study buddy. This could be someone who is also currently working on their GED or someone who has gone through the process. It could also be a trusted friend or a parent. The key is to find someone who you know, like, and trust and study with them. Develop a schedule of study and stick to it. Good luck!

GED Social Studies

Recently a reader asked me about preparing for the GED Social Studies test. What is the best way and what can a teacher do to adequately prepare for the GED Social Studies test?

First, it is important to remember that each student is unique and comes with their own background experiences. Each student will need to prepare in their own way and in their own time.

You also need to consider reading ability.

Find some great GED books, daily read the newspaper and have discussions, and surf the web to find GED Social Studies websites.

What is your favorite website? Send me a comment and I will post it here. If we help each other out..... we all win!

Usborne Math Dictionary: Your GED Math Reference Book

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 ∙

The GED math test is perhaps the hardest GED test to pass!! I have had success with some students who have used Usborne's Math Dictionary as a reference.

Check it out!

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.

GED math student update

One last test.... one last score....another GED issued! How exciting! After 10 years of trying and just not quite getting enough points, this student is now complete! Needing to make up 20 points he retook his science test and made up 20 points plus!!

Congraduations to each of you who continue to pursue your dreamwhether it is a GED or a Bachlor's degree.

Pursue your dream no matter how long it takes.

GED "Blues"

Are you as tired as I am with Winter? It is that time of year when we think of flowers, sun, and patio parties. Not here in the upper mid-west. Winter is never ending!

As a GED teacher, I see the GED 'blues" or depression setting in on some of the students I work with. They are not always showing up, and when they do.... they are not necessary ready to WORK.

Just keep encouraging your students! Let them know that winter is just about over and that it is normal to get the winter blues.

Perhaps take a field trip, or have a "I can't wait until Summer" party.

Now is not the time to slow down.... but to keep pressing forward.

Remind them to keep their eye on the prize!

GED Update

If you have been reading this blog, you will remember the student who struggled to pass their GED math test. That student then passed the test, but still needed 80 points. Well here is an update.

That student is now just 20 points away from getting his GED! How did he do it? He did it with hard work and perserverance!

If you are struggling to pass the GED, know that you are NOT alone. There are many individuals like you who struggle with one or more of the tests. Keep at it! Don't get discouraged, and remember to ask for help when you need it.

What's your story?

GED and Other Programs

If you are thinking about taking a class or getting into a program while you are taking the GED tests, it is a good idea to contact the school. I realize that it can be tempting to get into the program ASAP, but what happens if you do NOT pass the tests?

This is so devastating for students when this happens. Better to check what the school's policy is ahead of time.

If you find yourself, or your student, in this situation...... step back and determine what it is that you need to do. What test do you need to finish? Can you continue in the program while you complete your GED?

Do you know of anyone in this situation? I would love to hear what they did.

Life Beyond the GED

Many times I will get asked questions regarding attending college after getting a GED. Is a GED enough? Will the institution require another test?

My advice is to simply ask. If you are looking to enter a college, the army, or get a better job.... ask THEM what the requirements are. You will get the advice you need at the right time that you need it.

Getting the GED is a stepping stone into a better part of the students life. It is the first step into something greater and better.

Embrace it!

GED Anxiety

It is not unusual for a GED student to have a bit of anxiety. For many students, their past educational experience had not been a positive one. Many remember a time when all they experienced was negativity from teachers and "F's". To put themselves in the forefront, go to school/learning center, and take a test/s..... takes a lot of courage and self determination! Remember to continually praise your students and encourage them throughout the GED testing process. Getting positive reinforcement goes along way.... and everyone needs and craves it.... regardless of age.

GED Age

When can a person take the GED tests? Some can take them at age 17 while others must wait until they are 18.5 years of age. You need to check with your local GED testing center to see what their requirements are.

In most cases, you will need to attend a GED orientation so that you understand the program, complete the proper paperwork, and take an assessment to determine your reading skills.

GED Reading

Read, read, and read some more. Encourage your GED students to read on a daily basis. All the GED tests involve reading. Unless you can read and comprehend what you read, you will have difficulty with the tests. Read every day whether it is the local newspaper, a book, or your email. Grab a book and read to your child.

Teaching GED Math Real Life Application

Adult students, just like any other student, must connect to their math lessons to their daily life situations. This will make math real for them.

When I teach students about perimeter, I try to connect it with a remodeling project, applying base board around a livingroom.

When I teach about area, I connect it to painting walls or laying carpet.

If the student can connect their math lesson to a life situation that they can relate to..... they understand the lesson a whole lot better...... and quicker!

GED Math: adding fractions with common denominator

To add a fraction, express each fraction with a common denominator. Once each fraction has the same denominator, add the numerators and simplify.

GED Student Retention

Remember the student who received a 410 on math, but not enough overall points? This student needs to make up 80 points? Perhaps you have a student like this. Well...still have not heard from him.

How do you retain students, especially students who not only struggle, but also work full time and have a family?

I struggle with this all the time, but I believe the KEY to this is the relationship you develop with your students. This teacher-student trust must begin the first time you meet.

If I have not seen a student for awhile, I will call and sometimes send a card encouraging them to return. Eventually, most of them do.

GED Orientation

Are you thinking about taking the GED? If you are, you need to contact either your state Department of Public Instruction or your local GED Center. Find out what you must do in order to get into classes and take the tests. I do know that in the state of Wisconsin you must first attend an orientation.

The orientation will explain the GED and the requirements, assess in the areas of reading and math, and have you complete required paperwork.

It is an important first step. It also connects you with someone who is concerned about YOU and your future. I see the GED as a stepping stone into your future. Once your GED is complete, it will open up a whole lot of opportunities for you!

For other GED Help

Spanish GED

Regardless of whether you are preparing to take your GED tests in English or Spanish, it seems like the two most difficult tests are math and writing. Of the two, math still seems to win out. Why is that? If you have an answers or suggestions, please comment on this post.

I was at my workplace this morning preparing for next week when my students come back when a Spanish speaking student came to see me. The student is taking his tests in Spanish and is just now beginning to prepare for the math test. They have elected to use the Steck Vaughn Spanish GED Math book. One nice thing about Steck Vaughn is that if you match up the English and Spanish GED books (those that take a look at one GED test at a time), for the most part they follow each other.

That way when my Spanish speaking student comes in with a question and their Steck Vaughn book, I can grab my English version and help them.

Not always a sure thing, but if you are helping someone with limited English and you have limited or no Spanish, it is better than nothing.

If you would like the ISBN numbers of the books I am referencing, please send me an email at ghughes@learningtrends.com I would be happy to forward them to you.

GED Progress

I found out this afternoon that my student (see previous post) got a 410 on his math test! I was excited, because I knew how hard it was for him. He was not so excited, at least at first. In fact, he was real disapointed and down-heartened. He now has to focus on making up 80 points. Yes, it will be hard... but if he looks at each GED test separately and retakes one test at a time, he should be able to do it. We have a meeting set for this week to set a plan/timetable. I'll keep you posted.

GED Math Anxiety

If your students are similar to mine, you probably have one or two who have taken the GED math test more than once. I am currently waiting for the score of a student who has taken the math test four times over a period of 3 years. This student needs to score at least a 490 to get the required points for his GED. On the other 4 the average was 440. Part of the challenge is that the student works full time, has a second job, and also has a family. The family is very supportive, but after a long day at work it is obvious that he is tired. This student will admit that math is the last thing he wants to do and doesn't understand it. Between his third and fourth test he met with me five times. In my opinion.... not near enough time. I would have liked to work with him twice a week for at least 2 months. But he did not have the time and like many of my students, just wanted to try it one more time. Well, on Monday I will be back to work and will most likely have his score. Hang tight!