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Reducing Test Taking Anxiety
It is normal for many people to feel nervous about an exam. In fact, it can
be beneficial to be moderately stressed right before the exam. A little
tension can give you just the right amount of adrenaline you need to do your
best by heightening your awareness and sharpening your reflexes.
However, if your stress level is too high, this can negatively affect your
performance on the exam. Test anxiety is when someone excessively worries
about doing well on a test. This can become a major hindrance on test
performance and cause extreme nervousness and memory lapses, among other
symptoms. The following are tips on reducing test taking anxiety:
*Being well-prepared for the test is the best way to reduce test anxiety.
*Don�t take those last few moments before the test for last minute
cramming. Try to relax and spend that time reading the newspaper or some
other distraction.
*Maintain a positive attitude about yourself and the test.
*Exercising for a few days before a test will help reduce stress.
*Get a good night�s sleep before the test. You need the sleep. Begin
studying a week in advance if possible.
*Stay relaxed. If you begin to get nervous, take a few deep breaths slowly
to relax yourself and then get back to work.
*Read the directions slowly and carefully.
*If you don�t understand the directions on the test, ask the teacher to
explain it to you.
*Skim through the test so that you have a good idea of how to pace yourself.
*Write down important formulas, facts, definitions in the margin first so
you won�t worry about forgetting them.
*Do the simple questions first to help build up your confidence for the
harder questions.
*Don�t worry about how fast other people finish their tests; just
concentrate on your own test.
*If you don�t know a question, skip it for the time-being and come back to
it later. Remember that you don�t have to always get every question
correct
in order to do well on the test.
*Focus on the question at hand; don�t let your mind wander on other things.
*Remind yourself that the test is only a test.
*If you�re still experiencing extreme test anxiety after following these
tips, ask your school counselor for other help and ideas.
Study Skills Tips
Students with better study skills habits and methods generally score higher
on tests and make better grades. To do their best in school, students
should study every day, on average from 1-2 hours per day. Here are some
tips for improving your current studying techniques.
*Time Management
*Use your time wisely. Don't procrastinate!
*Make a study schedule and stick to it.
*Study difficult and/or complex material first.
*Prioritize-What has to be done first? When is it due?
*Make sure you understand the task. Ask questions if you are not sure.
*Break down big projects /tasks into �chunks�.
*Take short, regular breaks. This helps most people think better.
*Study Environment
*Well lit area-it can be near a window, under a bright light, or a
soft lamp
*Comfortable-at a table, on the sofa, on the floor�whatever is most
comfortable, but not too comfortable
*Neat area-It's hard to study in the middle of a mess.
*Have plenty of supplies-pencils, paper, etc
*Some students need total silence to best study. If listening to
music, consider something quiet and soothing, such as classical.
Watching television is usually too distracting for most people.
*Perhaps study with a group of friends. Compare notes and ask each
other questions.