MANAGING TEST ANXIETY
WHAT IS TEST ANXIETY?
Test anxiety is the worry or fear experienced during the taking of tests. It can cause some people difficulty in accessing information they know.
Test anxiety may cause mental distraction, mental blocks, and/or physical symptoms, such as stomach problems or headaches.
Some test anxiety is okay, and actually can help us perform at our best. However, if you experience feelings that are so intense they affect your performance on exams, the following tips may be helpful:
l. Develop good study-skills. Study a little every day. Keep up with assignments. Form a study group to give you different perspectives on the class material. Make note cards summarizing your reading to review at a later date. Begin studying for exams at least 2 weeks before. The more prepared you feel for the test, the more relaxed you will be.
2. Learn good test-taking skills. There are specific test-taking strategies that have been researched and found successful. All students can learn these strategies.
3. Review previous exams you took in the course. Is there a pattern to mistakes you made? Ask the instructor for suggestions on how to do better.
4. Learn relaxation techniques. For example, diaphragmatic breathing, which involves expanding your lower abdomen when you breathe in, is a quick, effective way to lower feelings of tension in your body. Relaxation techniques will help you study better, sleep better, and be more relaxed while taking exams.
5. Getting a good night’s sleep before the exam. Also, eat a protein rich breakfast/lunch. Not enough sleep reduces your brain's ability to retrieve information. Skipping a meal causes a dip in your blood sugar level, which will keep your brain from functioning at its best.
6. Try to keep your exams in perspective. Your up-coming test is only a portion of your final grade.
REMEMBER, SUCCESS DEPENDS ON STUDYING WELL. . . NOT ON LUCK!