Preparation key to battling test anxiety
Richard Briggs
Issue date: 11/2/09 Section: Lifestyles
For some people there are times in the college experience where the long hours of studying, the multiple questions asked on review day, and the one-on-one meeting with the instructor are just not enough to help them do well on test day.
This string of events is called test anxiety.
"It's really annoying," said Spencer Deal, a junior general education major from St. George. "My mind goes blank. I don't think I've ever missed a class yet. I'm always there and follow along."
Adjunct communication professor Bridget Sheffer said some students are innately prone to be more anxious than others.
"Although they may not recognize it, students with test anxiety perceive the test as a threat," Sheffer said. "These students will study well for the test, but the preconceived idea that the test is a threat hasn't changed."
Deal said he feels taking tests at the Testing Center adds to the anxiety.
"You really don't know the environment," Deal said. "You have to stand in line to get your test, and [the Testing Center workers] have to mark your scantron. I think it makes it harder."
Deal said these distractions cause him to lose focus of the specific subject he went into the Testing Center to concentrate on.
Testing Center Director Colin Metzger said it's important for students to minimize distractions before coming to take the test, such as talking a lot with others right before.
"Have the mindset that you are taking the test," Metzger said. "This goes for taking a test anywhere, not just the Testing Center. Have good study habits and good study strategies."
Deal said one of the things he could improve on is studying more effectively rather than just studying to put in the time.
"The main root of test anxiety is cramming right before the test," Metzger said. "Students should allow sufficient time to take the test so they're not rushed."
Sheffer said there are things students can do to cope with test anxiety.
"One thing a student could do is write out why they are anxious about the test, and determine if their ideas are logical," she said. "If [the ideas] are not logical, they could reframe their perception of the test mentally by rewriting their thoughts."
Sheffer said the second thing students can do is to make sure they are taking care of themselves by eating right, getting enough sleep and exercising.
According to http://www.studygs.net/tstprp8.htm, students need to approach tests with confidence and should view the exam as an opportunity to show how much they've studied.
Striving for a relaxed state of concentration and avoiding talking to students who have not prepared for the test are other insights given on the Web site.
Sheffer also said, "If the anxiety is intense enough, a student could seek support through student services."
This string of events is called test anxiety.
"It's really annoying," said Spencer Deal, a junior general education major from St. George. "My mind goes blank. I don't think I've ever missed a class yet. I'm always there and follow along."
Adjunct communication professor Bridget Sheffer said some students are innately prone to be more anxious than others.
"Although they may not recognize it, students with test anxiety perceive the test as a threat," Sheffer said. "These students will study well for the test, but the preconceived idea that the test is a threat hasn't changed."
Deal said he feels taking tests at the Testing Center adds to the anxiety.
"You really don't know the environment," Deal said. "You have to stand in line to get your test, and [the Testing Center workers] have to mark your scantron. I think it makes it harder."
Deal said these distractions cause him to lose focus of the specific subject he went into the Testing Center to concentrate on.
Testing Center Director Colin Metzger said it's important for students to minimize distractions before coming to take the test, such as talking a lot with others right before.
"Have the mindset that you are taking the test," Metzger said. "This goes for taking a test anywhere, not just the Testing Center. Have good study habits and good study strategies."
Deal said one of the things he could improve on is studying more effectively rather than just studying to put in the time.
"The main root of test anxiety is cramming right before the test," Metzger said. "Students should allow sufficient time to take the test so they're not rushed."
Sheffer said there are things students can do to cope with test anxiety.
"One thing a student could do is write out why they are anxious about the test, and determine if their ideas are logical," she said. "If [the ideas] are not logical, they could reframe their perception of the test mentally by rewriting their thoughts."
Sheffer said the second thing students can do is to make sure they are taking care of themselves by eating right, getting enough sleep and exercising.
According to http://www.studygs.net/tstprp8.htm, students need to approach tests with confidence and should view the exam as an opportunity to show how much they've studied.
Striving for a relaxed state of concentration and avoiding talking to students who have not prepared for the test are other insights given on the Web site.
Sheffer also said, "If the anxiety is intense enough, a student could seek support through student services."
Be the first to comment on this story