Test Anxiety

What is Test Anxiety?

Too much anxiety about a test is commonly referred to as test anxiety. It is perfectly natural to feel some anxiety when preparing for and taking a test.  In fact, a little anxiety can jump start your child studying and keep them motivated.  However, too much anxiety can interfere with their studying. They may have difficulty learning and remembering what you need to know for the test.  Further, too much anxiety may block their performance during the test. They may have difficulty demonstrating what they know during the test.

 

How do I Know if I Have Test Anxiety?

Your child probably has test anxiety if they answer YES to four or more of the following:

1. I have a hard time getting started studying for a test.

2. When studying for a test, I find many things that distract me.

3. I expect to do poorly on a test no matter how much or how hard I study.

4. When taking a test, I experience physical discomfort such as sweaty palms, an upset stomach, a headache, difficulty breathing, and tension in my muscles.

5. When taking a test, I find it difficult to understand the directions and questions.

6. When taking a test, I have difficulty organizing my thoughts.

7. When taking a test, I often “draw a blank.”

8. When taking a test, I find my mind wandering to other things.

9. I usually score lower on a test than I do on assignments and papers.

10. After a test, I remember information I couldn’t recall during the test.

What Can I Do About Test Anxiety?

Here are some things you can do before, during, and after a test to reduce your test anxiety.

1. Use good study techniques to gain cognitive mastery of the material that will be covered on the test.  This mastery will help your child to approach the test with confidence rather than have excessive anxiety. 

2. Maintain a positive attitude as your child studies.  Think about doing well, not failing.  Think of the test as an opportunity to show how much your child has learned.

3. Make sure your child goes into the test well rested and well fed.  Have your child get enough sleep the night before the test.  They should eat a light and nutritious meal before the test and stay away from junk foods.

4. Encourage your child to stay relaxed during the test.  Taking slow, deep breaths can help.  Have your child focus on positive self-statements such as “I can do this.”

5. Encourage your child not to panic even if they find the test difficult.   Make sure they stay with their plan!

6. Tell your child not to  worry about other students finishing the test before they do.  Make sure they take the time that they need to do their best. 

7. Once your child finishes the test and hand it in, forget about it temporarily.  There is nothing more they can do until the graded test is returned.  Turn their attention and effort to new assignments and tests.

8. When the graded test is returned, analyze it with your child to see how they could have done better.  Learn from mistakes and from what they did well. Apply this knowledge when they take the next test.

You have to know the material to do well on a test.  You have to control test anxiety to show what you know.