Test Anxiety

Test Anxiety

Test anxiety is a specific type of anxiety that occurs when a student taking an assessment. Often the anxiety is connected to concerns about possible negative consequences such as failing the test, their test performance impacting their overall grade, etc. Test Anxiety can have a negative effect on test performance. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms of test anxiety and develop strategies to cope with it effectively.

Symptoms of Test Anxiety- An individual may experience some of the symptoms listed here:

Physiological-

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Rapid Heartbeat
• Excessive Perspiration
• Nausea
• Muscle Tension
• Flushed Skin Color
• Difficulty Sleeping

Cognitive-

• Negative self-statements ("I'm stupid;" "I'll never learn this.")
• Pessimistic expectations ("I'm going to fail this test.")
• Negative peer comparisons ("Everyone else does better than me on math tests;" "I'm the only one who doesn't get it.")
• Difficulties with concentration and memory
• Desire to avoid testing situations

Behavioral-

• Off-task behaviors (talking, fidgeting, staring)
• Making frequent comments about the test
• Absent day of test, complaining of illness (stomachache, headache)
• Cheating on test

**Important: Most, if not all, students experience some feelings of nervousness before a test. This is normal and sometimes a little anxiety can actually help increase arousal in students so they perform to an optimal level on an assessment. However, when these feelings of anxiety become overwhelming and negatively impact test performance, then having some strategies to combat anxiety can be helpful.

Strategies to Reduce Test Anxiety:

Assess your study skills and preparation for tests: Are you studying enough and effectively? Do you find that your study habits are helping you retain and recall the information? Some helpful study strategies include making flashcards, asking someone to quiz you on the information, or teach the information to someone else.

Learn and practice effective test taking strategies:

-Build confidence by answering easier items first, and skipping more difficult items to go back to later on.

-Budget time based on point values- be sure not to spend too much time completing items that aren't work alot of points (especially if you run out of time to finish items of greater point value)

-Understand the directions- make sure you know what you are being asked to do

-On multiple choice questions, it may help to cross out the answers that you know are incorrect and make a guess based on the options that remain.

Use positive self-talk: Instead of assuming you will do poorly, remind yourself that all of your time in class and time spent studying has prepared you do do well.

Relaxation strategies: Practice controlled breathing. Maintain positive body language- sit up straight and keep your eyes on the paper. Before the tests, practice some visualization (close your eyes, breath deeply and use your 5 senses to imagine yourself in a calm, relaxing place).

Pace yourself: Don't compare your test completion with others. Move at your own pace and don't worry how quickly others are finishing the test.

For more tips:

http://www.interventioncentral.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/pdfs_interventions/testtips.pdf

http://academicanxiety.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Test-Anxiety-Support-Information-for-College-Student-22.pptx

(this powerpoint was created for college students, but contains many tips that can be useful for high school students as well)

Source: von der Embse, N. (2015). Test anxiety: Assessment to intervention. [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from tinyurl.com/nasptestanxiety.