Who Knew It Was So Easy To Get An A

Get an A (maybe even an A+) by chewing gum before a test.  Studies performed with college students showed that chewing gum for 30 minutes prior to taking a test improves concentration and memory for approximately 20 minutes after chewing the gum.  Chewing gum can indeed help you get an A.

Studies show that chewing gum before a test improved memory and speed of processing test answers.  The results are positive for those who chew gum prior to test taking, not necessarily during the test. By the way, the study was performed with both sugar-free and sugared gum with no noted difference. Chewing gum increases oxygenation levels in the brain for a limited amount of time improving your level of alertness.  The effects are short acting, however, and if the test is longer in length gum chewers don’t necessarily have an advantage at the end of the test.  So, chewing gum can help you get an A, but, don’t give up your studying.

Apparently teachers have gotten the message as they are telling my kids to bring a stick of gum to class on test day.  Can you believe it?  When I was in school we got a “hack” with a wood board with holes drilled in it if we were found chewing gum in class.  The holes were to decrease the resistance so the hack would be harder and more painful.  Not that I would know, of course!  I can’t say the same for Doc, though.  I think he has been on the receiving end of that board a time or two. Times have changed. So anyway, gum buying before test day has become a routine event in our household.  My kids are getting good grades but  they also work very hard at them.  I am not, however, refuting the results of these refreshing studies (pardon the pun).

Other Benefits of Chewing Gum

• Fresh Breath and Clean Mouth
• Decreased Anxiety
• Increased Alertness

A Few More Test Taking Tips to Get An A

• Get a good nights sleep…no cramming!
• Study right before you go to bed at night.  Studies show you will retain more information.
• Eat a healthy high protein breakfast the morning of your test.

So, put your best foot forward the next time you want to get an A on a test.  Chewing gum may just help you get an A.