Ever notice these days it seems that our kids are tested to the nth degree....?
- End of Grade
- End of Course
- Midterms
- Finals
- AP tests
- College Admissions
- And so on......
In addition, everywhere you turn everything is ultra-competitive with students competing for admission into:
- Private schools
- Charter schools
- Magnet schools
- Colleges
- Universities
- And so on....
With all this pressure on today's youth, its no mystery why we're seeing more test anxiety.
So what can be done, absent the medication route? (which in my opinion should only be considered as a last resort). Lets first determine what test anxiety is. Test anxiety is actually a form of performance anxiety. This is what a performer feels as they audition for the lead role in a school play, the pressure the star quarterback feels during the "Big Game" or the feeling a singer has at their first solo, etc.. So, test anxiety is what is felt in anticipation of a stressful situation, in this case, a test!
Test anxiety IS real, not imagined, and its impact IS real. Anticipation causes the body to produce excess adrenaline which is a primitive response preparing the body for a dangerous situation. This "fight or flight" response the body experiences has keep us around, as a species, for thousands of years. Unfortunately, it is counterproductive in today's society; especially when it occurs during the 'big test'. Symptoms include sweating, heart pounding and nausea to name a few. The stronger the anxiety gets, the more the mind focuses on the bad things that can happen, leaving no room for thoughts of what the answers to the questions are. Once the test is completed, the student relaxes and later recalls all or most of the answers to the test that could not be recalled while in the heat of battle - the test.
Who is likely to experience test anxiety?
Primarily, students who are not prepared, or think they are not. A student may feel ill prepared for several reasons:
- Have not properly studied
- Does not possess a firm grasp of the material
- Sleep deprived (does not get adequate sleep on a regular basis, and especially the day before the test)
- Lack confidence on subject mater
- Does not know test-taking strategies
So what can a student do?
Here are the top tips:
- Preparation is key! Just going to class is not going to guarantee you good grades.
- Learn what's on the test and study what you do not know.
- Make sure class notes are organized and you have a clear study plan.
- Ensure plenty of time to cover all the material anticipated to be on the test.
- Use stress to remind you to study well in advance of your tests.
- Cramming for the test the night before rarely works and usually adds to the anxiety.
- Ensure you are well rested, not just the night before, but get adequate sleep on a regular basis.
- Practice test taking will also go a long way to combat test anxiety.
- Ask for help. Your teachers, school counselors or tutors are resources to talk to, especially if you experience test anxiety on a regular basis.
- Accept mistakes as everyone makes mistakes. Those who can turn their mistakes into learning opportunities are those who will be successful at whatever they do. The key is to learn from them!
- Read directions carefully and budget your time to allow a chance for every question.
- If you go blank on a question, skip it and move on. Quite often, the answer will pop into your head later.
- Focus your thoughts on something pleasant, take deep breaths, and exhale slowly.
- If other students finish early, do not panic. There are no extra points for finishing first!
- Take a study skills course. Many study skill courses will not only teach you how to take better notes, but how to develop test taking strategies, more efficient time management and improved study habits. The course will also improve your self-confidence!
Confidence in your own abilities is the single greatest tool in combating test anxiety! This comes after practicing the techniques above and achieving success. So smile, take a deep breath, relax and leave test anxiety in the rear view mirror..... who knows, you may become the next to score a perfect 2400 on your SAT
