Overview Of Test Anxiety Management Skills
Generally, we all experience some level of nervousness or tension before tests or other important events in our lives. A little nervousness can actually help motivate us; however, too much of it can become a problem – especially if it interferes with our ability to prepare for and perform on tests.
Dealing with Anxiety: The first step is to distinguish between two types of anxiety. If your anxiety is a direct result of lack of preparation, consider it a normal, rational reaction. However, if you are adequately prepared but still panic and/or overreact, your reaction is not rational. While both of these anxieties may be considered normal (anyone can have them) it is certainly helpful to know how to overcome their effects.
Preparation Can Help: Preparation is the best way to minimize rational anxiety. Consider the following:
- Avoid “cramming” for a test. Trying to master a semester’s worth of material the day before the test is a poor way to learn and can easily produce anxiety. This is not the time to try to learn a great deal of material.
- Combine all the information you have been presented throughout the semester and work on mastering the main concepts of the course.
- When studying for the test, ask yourself what questions may be asked and try to answer them by integrating ideas from lectures, notes, texts, and supplementary readings.
- If you are unable to cover all the material given throughout the semester, select a portion that you can cover well. Set a goal of presenting your knowledge of this information on the test.
Changing Your Attitude: Improving your perspective of the test-taking experience can actually help you enjoy studying and may improve your performance. Don’t overplay the importance of the grade – it is not a reflection of your self-worth nor does it predict your future success. Try the following:
- Remind yourself that a test is only a test – there will be others.
- Reward yourself after the test – take in a movie, go out to eat, or visit with friends.
- Avoid thinking of yourself in a negative sense.
- Plan ways to improve your work next semester.
- Remember that the most reasonable expectation is to try to show as much of what you know as you can.
Don’t Forget the Basics: Students preparing for tests often neglect basic biological, emotional, and social needs. To do your best, you must think of yourself as a total person – not just a test taker. Remember to:
- Continue the habits of good nutrition and exercise. Continue your recreational pursuits and social activities – all contribute to your emotional and physical well-being.
- Follow a moderate pace when studying; vary your work when possible and take breaks when needed.
- Get plenty of sleep the night before the test – when you are overly tired you will not function at your absolute best.
- Once you feel you are adequately prepared for the test, do something relaxing.
The Day of the Test: To be able to do your best on the day of the test you should:
- Begin your day with a moderate breakfast and avoid coffee if you are prone to “caffeine jitters.” Even people who usually manage caffeine well may feel light-headed and jittery when indulging on the day of a test.
- Try to do something relaxing the hour before the test – last minute cramming will cloud your mastery of the overall concepts of the course.
- Plan to arrive at the test location early – this will allow you to relax and to select a seat located away from doors, windows, and other distractions.
- Avoid classmates who generate anxiety and tend to upset your stability.
- If waiting for the test to begin causes anxiety, distract yourself by reading a magazine or newspaper.
After You Receive the Test: Before you begin answering the questions on the test, take a few minutes and do the following:
- First review the entire test; then read the directions twice. Try to think of the test as an opportunity to show the professor what you know; then begin to organize your time efficiently. Work on the easiest portions of the test first.
- For essay questions, construct a short outline for yourself – then begin your answer with a summary sentence. This will help you avoid the rambling and repetition which can irritate the person grading the test. For short-answer questions, answer only what is asked – short and to the point. If you have difficulty with an item involving a written response, show what knowledge you can. If proper terminology evades you, show what you know with your own words.
- For multiple choice questions, read all the options first, then eliminate the most obvious. Unsure of the correct response? Rely on your first impression, then move on quickly. Beware of tricky qualifying words such as “only,” “always,” or “most.”
- Do not rush through the test. Wear a watch and check it frequently as you pace yourself. If it appears you will be unable to finish the entire test, concentrate on those portions which you can answer well. Recheck your answers only if you have extra time – and only if you are not anxious.
If Anxiety Continues: Sometimes anxiety may continue to hamper your ability to do your best. When this occurs try to distract yourself in any of the following ways:
- Ask the instructor a question.
- If allowed, get a drink or go to the bathroom.
- Eat something.
- Break your pencil lead – then go sharpen it.
- Think for a moment about the post-exam reward you promised yourself.
- Tell yourself “I can be anxious later, now is the time to take the exam.”
- Tense and relax muscles throughout your body; take a couple of slow deep breaths and try to maintain a positive attitude.
After the Test: Whether you did well or not, be sure to follow through on the reward you promised yourself – and enjoy it! Try not to dwell on all the mistakes you might have made. Do not immediately begin studying for the next text…indulge in something relaxing for a little while.
Reference: The above information is from The State University New York at Potsdam Website at http://www.potsdam.edu/studentlife/counseling/selfhelp/upload/test-anxiety.pdf
Resources Available on the BHCLR Campus
Pamphlets on test anxiety are available for students. The pamphlets are titled “How to Beat Test Anxiety” and “Learn about Beating Test Anxiety”. The pamphlets are free of charge and can be found in pamphlet displays in selected men’s and women’s restrooms.
Helpful Websites On Test Anxiety
http://www.educationatlas.com/test-anxiety.html
http://www.studygs.net/tstprp8.htm
This is about test anxiety when taking the Praxis teacher examination, but it is good for any test:
http://www.nocheating.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/pdf/01361anxiety.pdf
http://www.medi-smart.com/test8.htm
http://www.utdallas.edu/counseling/selfhelp/test-anxiety.html