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Praxis PLT 7-12 Principles Of Learning And Teaching – 3 Steps To Pass Quicker…

When you are eager to begin teaching, the Praxis Professional Learning and Teaching (PLT) 7-12 should not stand in your way!

There may be no easy way to pass, but there is a best way!

For teachers looking to pass the Praxis PLT 7-12 (5624) the first time—or the second time research shows you should do a lot more Praxis practice exams.

praxis plt 7-12 practice test questions prep videos

Many potential teacher candidates don’t heed that advice. They try to take short-cuts and end up like these test-takers:

  • “I took the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching 7-12 twice. . . After studying I passed easily. I wish I would have purchased it [Praxis study book] from the beginning, I had to wait a whole semester to finish because of this test“

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you’ve passed your classes, so you’ll pass this test. This test is on all of your classes COMBINED! You’ve been taking the tests AS YOU WERE TAKING EACH CLASS. This is different!

  • “I failed to pay attention to time therefore not even getting to the last case study”

This test-taker not only failed to pay attention to time. The candidate failed to understand the scoring and probably failed the test. Why? The case studies are worth 25% of your total score!

  • “I am not a writer. This is a 2 hr essay test”

Just because you want to teach 7-12 grade students doesn’t mean you’re an excellent writer! Even if you are great at writing, are you concise? How long has it been since you’ve taken—and passed—constructed response exams?

It all comes down to this: how can you use this information AND test-taking research to get a passing score on your first try?

Check-out: Advice To Those Who Absolutely Must Pass-The-Praxis On The First Try (by current Licensed Teacher)

praxis ii plt 7-12 study guide prep book resources

Follow these three steps! They may not be fast or simple, but they will lead you to succeed in passing the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades (PLT) 7-12 the first time!

Links To Praxis II Prep Tools And Tactics

Praxis PLT 7-12 Success Step #1: Know The Test (Praxis PLT 5624)

The Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7-12 tests your knowledge of educational practices as a prospective 7th through 12th grade teacher. Whether you hope to teach math, agriculture, English, or special education, the material tested is NOT about your specific subject area. It’s about the “art, science, and profession” of teaching, or PEDAGOGY.

The Praxis 5624 is made up of 4 questions in short answer format and 70 questions in multiple choice format.

You are allowed two hours to show what you know in these areas:

  • students as learners (22.5%)
  • instructional process (22.5%)
  • assessment (15%)
  • professional development, leadership and community (15%)

You’ll be given 4 instructional scenarios to analyze for the written short-answer portion. Those constructed response questions cover the four topics listed above, but THEY ACCOUNT FOR 25% OF THE TOTAL SCORE!

Let’s face it: You need the best the best Praxis PLT 7-12 study guide and practice test you can get. To find the best preparation materials you first need find out what’s REALLY on the exam. After all, the four categories above are just vague topics.

  1. Get the test specs from ETS
  2. Find Praxis PLT 7-12 practice tests and study materials after completing the following checklist.

Here’s your checklist of things to do:

  • Start at the Educational Testing System (ETS) Study Companion pages found here: https://www.ets.org/pdfs/praxis/5624.pdf
  • Read the WHOLE section “Learn About Your Test” (*It’s 9 PAGES! Read Carefully!)
  • This is the MAP of the pedagogy, or “the art, science, or profession of teaching” on the test
  • Once you have read the WHOLE 9 pages, print them out
  • Reread the section. Use a pencil. Mark what you DON’T know AND what you DO know:
    • a question mark ? = I’m not sure I know this
    • a check mark √ = I know this
  • If you’re like most teacher candidates, you will have A LOT of question marks: you UNDERSTAND the theories and terms, but you need a refresher

Now you know WHAT is on the test AND what you have to study!

You’re one step closer to getting the Praxis Principles of Teaching and Learning (PLT) 7-12 study guides and practice exams that will help you to learn the material required to pass.

Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching 7-12 Success Step #2: Know Your Strengths And Weaknesses

If you followed the checklist above, you already have a head start on knowing your strengths and weaknesses as you prepare to take the Praxis (5624).

Now is the time to find out your test-taking skills. Use these questions to focus on TEST skills:

  • Do you have trouble taking timed tests?
  • Do you second-guess your first instincts when answering multiple choice questions?
  • Are you able to understand what Praxis PLT 7-12 constructed response questions are really asking?
  • Have you had trouble in the past with “tricky” questions?
  • What is your strategy when you KNOW you are spending too long on one question?
  • Are you able to write short answers clearly using key words that show your understanding?
  • Do you know how your test is scored AND do you know what that means for YOU?

Each of these questions will help you to see your strengths and weaknesses as a test-taker.

And YOUR honest answers to these questions will help you to choose the test-prep materials that will lead YOU to pass the first time.

Praxis PLT 7-12 Success Step #3: Put In The Time To Select AND Use The Best Study Guides

There are so many test-prep materials available: study guides, study manuals, flashcards, practice tests, prep classes and combinations. Which should YOU choose?

If you’ve completed Steps One and Two, you have done most of the research already.

Now, match YOUR needs with the study resources available.

DO

  1. Look for a Praxis Principles of Teaching and Learning 7-12 prep book that is thorough, even if it is boring! Your #1 goal is to pass the test!
    • It matches the 9-page PDF document in its terms and explanations.
    • It includes current acronyms and theories.
    • It bold-faces the terms you need to know.
  2. Find a PLT 7-12 prep guide that is organized like the test and is easy FOR YOU to use.
    • It has sections on students as learners, instructional processes, assessment, and professional development, leadership and community
    • Check carefully so it reflects the theories and strategies YOU need to review.
    • A Table of Contents and/or Index lets you find that information fast.
  3. Check out the constructed response section (there better be one!) for tips on the essay portion.
    • Is there a scoring rubric? Is the rubric explained?
    • Is there at least one example of a strong constructed response answer?
    • Is there an explanation of WHY the answer is well-written?
  4. Find a Praxis PLT 7-12 study guide that allows you to practice taking the test! (*Researchers find this to be one of the most helpful tools in improving test-takers’ scores!)
    • Is there at least one full-length Praxis Principles of Teaching and Learning (PLT) 7-12 practice test?
    • Are there easy to understand explanations of BOTH correct AND incorrect answers?
    • Are there “practice” constructed response/essay questions for each section?
    • Is the scoring of the test explained?
  5. Be picky about typographical or grammatical errors!
    • A typo may be a simple mistake, but these guides are NOT cheap!
    • If you find typos or grammar errors, can you trust the answers?

DON’T

  1. Buy a guide without looking at reviews! But consider YOUR needs!
  2. Be “tricked” into purchasing an outdated study guide.
    • Look for the copyright date, but check the information as well;
    • The acronyms change; the theories change; the strategies change; and the test
  3. Think that all Praxis PLT 7-12 (5624) study guides were written by people who know the exam.
    • The PLT 7-12 has been around long enough that prep guide authors should KNOW the test;
    • Just because the it’s published by a big-name company doesn’t mean it’s a good guide!
  4. Expect that it’s going to be a fun read. It may be dull but its purpose is to help you pass!

Look for this in Praxis PLT 7-12 practice exam questions:

  1. Sections organized just as the real Praxis PLT 7-12 is organized
  2. Questions with the right amount of difficulty (check sample questions at the ETS site for comparison)
  3. No typos: if there are typos, there may be other errors;
  4. Thorough explanations of both the correct AND the incorrect answers (feedback);
  5. Thorough explanations of the scoring of both parts of the test (did you know you’re not penalized for wrong answers?)
  6. Up-to-date version, complete with current learner theories and teaching strategies;
  7. At least three opportunities to take the test (*Research says the more you take, the more you retain for the real test—and the more you can practice pacing!);
  8. Each Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching 7-12 practice test should offer sample constructed response questions AND sample answers

No one can make it fast and easy, but here are a few hints from real test-takers on how to use your study time and test-prep materials:

  • Many test-takers say that 4-6 weeks is a good time to begin using a study guide.
  • Plan to use your Praxis PLT 7-12 study guide every day for a set amount of time.
  • 20, 40 or 60 minutes at a time is better than a six-hour cram session.
  • Read through explanations of the answers; many test-takers say this is key to passing!
  • Practice active reading: find a good study space, have a purpose for reading, and use a highlighter as you read.
Celebrate Your Praxis PLT 7-12 Passing-Score

Once you’ve selected your Praxis PLT 7-12 practice tests and study guides, and USED them to YOUR best advantage, there’s only one thing left to do!

Celebrate!

The work of finding your strengths and weaknesses and knowing both the material AND the test itself means YOU do NOT have to spend extra time and money on retakes.

Instead, you can spend YOUR time planning for your first year of teaching!

Go to: A Short-Cut To Pass The Praxis Test by ‘real’ Teachers Who Passed

Author: Mark Dahlson