TEST ANXIETY

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TEST ANXIETY

• How To Overcome It And Do Your Best!!!

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What type of test anxiety do you have?

• Is the anxiety the result of a lack of
  preparation?
• If its this form, it can be overcome with
  appropriate studying habits
• Is it the consequence of overreacting/panicking
  during the test?
• If its this form, there are still steps that can
  be taken that will help you overcome its effects

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Before the test

• Preparation
• This is a key element for reducing anxiety
• The higher your level of preparation, the lower
  your level of anxiety
• No Cramming
• Avoid cramming for any test
• It is an ineffective way of studying
• You may pass some parts, but you will remember
  nothing afterwards
• Usually this is a time of feeling anxious and you
  wont concentrate as well and youll feel
  pressured

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Before the test (cont.)

• Review all the information
• Study from your book, notes, and any other
  material used in class
• Ask yourself questions
• Ask yourself questions that may be on the test
• Ask your instructor for examples of the types of
  questions used on past exams
• Use flash cards
• Use this method to help you organize your study
  time
• Allows you to determine what you know and where
  you need to spend more time studying

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Thinking straight about your test

• Change the way you think about studying
• Studying and grades are not a measure of your
  self-worth
• Thinking in these terms can make tests seem
  insurmountable
• They also create anxiety and stress
• Can also reduce your capacity to concentrate and
  learn
• Confirming that studying is an impossible task
  for you!!!

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Thinking straight about your test

• Put your test into perspective
• A test is only a test
• Keep in mind there will be others
• Eliminate negative self-talk
• Focus on what needs to be done and do it
• Students spend a great deal of time doing
  everything else but studying, which adds to their
  negative thinking
• Invest time in planning
• Plan ways to improve your studying
• Evaluate your plan according to your performance

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Thinking straight about your test

• Put your grade in perspective
• Keep in mind that your performance will not
  automatically be reflected in your grades
• The test may have been more difficult than
  expected
• You may also have failed in your plan and still
  received a good grade
• Develop reasonable expectations
• Take the tests one at a time
• Set realistic goals
• Unrealistic expectations will only lead to
  frustration, which will be a good excuse to give
  up

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Take care of your basic needs

• Keep in mind that you are more than a test taker
• Students overly concerned with exams usually
  neglect other aspects of themselves
• You should also care for your biological,
  emotional, psychological, and social needs
• Mens sana in Corpora sana a healthy mind in a
  healthy body
• Exercise
• Eat consciously
• Keep up your recreational and social activities
• All contribute to your well-being and capacity to
  buffer test anxiety

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Take care of your basic needs

• Remember that food for thought is only a
  literary expression
• Dont abuse food (e.g., cookies) or beverages
  (e.g. caffeine drinks)
• The result you hope to achieve with them may
  actually work in reverse, causing stomach aches
  and giving you the gitters
• Dosify your study time
• Study in short periods of time
• Follow a moderate pace
• Take periodic breaks

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Take care of your basic needs

• Rest the night before the test
• Distract your mind with activities other than
  studying
• Get plenty of sleep
• An overly tired mind will cause you more harm
  than good
• Do not abuse yourself
• Once you feel you know what you need to know,
  quit studying and do something relaxing
• The only reason why you keep studying after you
  are reasonably prepared is your lack of
  confidence
• Be patient
• Learning when to stop takes time
• Accomplishing it boosts your self-confidence and
  self-esteem

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Getting Ready

• Face the day of the test with pride
• Take responsibility for your actions
• Eat a sensible breakfast
• Do not abuse food before the test
• Relax during the hour before the test
• Do some last minute relaxing before the test
• Dont cram any more learning into this time
• Arrive at the classroom early, but do not stay
  there
• Secure a good seat for you, then leave the room
  and use the remaining time to walk and relax

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Getting Ready

• Avoid stress carriers
• Politely avoid classmates who produce anxiety and
  affect your disposition
• Do not let them scare, stress, or upset you
• Bring a stress-saver with you
• Bring a magazine, newspaper, listen to music to
  help you relax
• Use physical relaxation
• Utilize tensing and release techniques to fight
  off tension and anxiety

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Facing the test

• Check your internal state
• How are you?
• How is your anxiety level?
• If it is high, take a moment to relax even though
  it takes time away from your test
• Coach yourself
• Tell yourself you are going to do your best
• Answer the questions you know first, then the
  questions your not really sure about, then the
  questions you dont know
• Review your test
• Before answering any questions, review the entire
  test.
• Read the instructions carefully

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During the test

• Outline answers on essay questions
• Develop a short outline to help you organize your
  answer
• Give short answers for short answer questions
• Use specific terms and ideas
• If you cant remember the term, describe it in
  your own words
• Read options carefully
• Read all the options of multiple choice questions
• Eliminate the most obvious
• Watch for words like always, only, never to
  eliminate other responses

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During the test

• Wear your watch
• Keep track of the time
• Pace yourself
• Do not get stuck
• If a question is difficult, skip it and solve the
  next one
• Go back after you finish answering question you
  know
• Ask questions
• Ask for more information if you are not sure of
  the question

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During the test

• If worse comes to worse, use any legal trick to
  distract yourself!!!
• Ask to go to the bathroom
• Get a drink
• Just get up and sharpen your pencil

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After the test

• Reward yourself
• Whether you did well or not, reward yourself for
  taking, and surviving your test!
• Later on
• Evaluate your study plan
• Were you prepared for the test adequately?
• Were you able to control your anxiety and relax
• Dont dwell on your mistakes, you are supposed to
  make some. Use them to help you next time.
• Then.
• Develop an improved plan and begin studying for
  your next test!