Students and Test Anxiety
Some teachers usually expect students to tough it out and to deal with exams on their own because it is part of a student’s life.
While it is alright for students to become anxious and nervous as examination time looms closer, it is not good if the anxiety would lead to poor exam performance.
Imagine this train of thought going through a student's head as he or she sits down with an unanswered exam paper: If I fail this test, I'll flunk the course, be kicked out of school, never get into graduate school, have to go to summer school, never get a good grade, ad infinitum...
As teachers, you do your best to prepare them for what is going to be tested of them, academic-wise. However, it might be important to prepare the students emotionally as well.
Causes. Test anxiety can be caused by lack of preparation as manifested in cramming the night before the exam, poor time management, inability to organize information, and poor study habits.
Worries. Most students thus worry about past exam performance, how other students and friends are doing, and the consequences of failure.
Physical signs. These are perspiration, sweaty palms, headache, upset stomach, rapid heartbeat, and tense muscles.
Effects. When students become nervous, they might have difficulty reading and understanding the exam questions, have difficulty organizing thoughts and retrieving key words and concepts in essay questions, and do poorly even if they really studied the material.
The following tips can help students greatly when it comes to approaching the exam with as much confidence as they can muster:
- Allot plenty of time to review before the test so there would be no need to rush.
- Use strategies to personalize success like visualization, logic, talking to self, practice, teamwork or journaling.
- When studying, have everything from books to notes to working tools handy. Having to get up and look for items add to the distractions. It is of utmost importance to go to the test prepared.
- Avoid other students who are unprepared and express negativity for they can only distract preparation and add anxiety.
- Exercise is said to be a good mind sharpener.
- A good night's sleep and a full stomach is recommended before an exam. Strive to eat healthy to provide the body and mind with proper nutrients.
- Choose a comfortable location when taking the test. It helps to sit in areas with good lighting and minimal distractions.
- Read exam directions carefully, and budget time well.
- Don’t panic if other students are already handing in their papers. Instead, maximize the allotted time to read and review your answers.
- If during the exam, panic creeps in, take deep breaths. Just think about the next step, and keep on doing it until the exam is finished.
- Reinforce the mind positively by thinking of accomplishments or general good thoughts.
- After the exam, list down the strategies that worked.
Last, but definitely not the least, do not forget to wish them well in their exams. A teacher’s faith in their students can go a long away.
Sources:
“Stress/Test Anxiety.” Retrieved February 28, 2008 from
http://ub-counseling.buffalo.edu/stresstestanxiety.shtml
“Test anxiety.” Retrieved February 28, 2008 from http://www.studygs.net/tstprp8.htm
“Test Anxiety.” Retrieved February 28, 2008 from http://www.yorku.ca/cdc/lsp/eponline/exam6.htm
(Published 17 March 2008, Smart Schools Program)
