Test anxiety
Anxiety is a natural instinct that everyone has. It has been termed the “fight or flight response” and is a valuable survival tool, if we are threatened by something. It is our bodies’ way of getting the extra adrenalin needed when if threatened, we can choose to stay in a situation and fight, or we can get away if need be. For example, a mother is watching her child play on the playground. A stray dog comes along, and growls at the child. An almost automatic response, the mother approaches the dog, and scares him away. Another example, a man is outside mowing his lawn. Suddenly, he sees a car about to swerve off the road toward him. His instinct is to run and get out of the way, and avoid being hit. In both instances, that little burst of adrenalin gave each person the extra strength they needed to accomplish the same goal.
Most Students experience some sort of anxiety before a test. They often wonder, just how well they will do, “will I pass or will I completely blow this?” It is perfectly normal to have some anxiety. Being prepared for the exam however, will help to reduce or minimize the feelings of anxiety. Some anxiety is good, since it can inspire and motivate a person to study properly, and be prepared ahead of time.
What causes test anxiety? Some things include, lack of being prepared. Cramming the night before a test, not managing your time well, poor study habits, and worry. Worrying about how you will do on a test, or how others are doing, on their own test is like fueling the fire. The more you think about the possible negative outcome, the less you can focus on the test itself. Having a negative attitude can also cause some anxiety. Lack of confidence. Expecting to do poorly, or expecting to have some anxiety can cause symptoms also.
Symptoms of test anxiety include but are not limited to; nervousness, sweating, sweaty hands, tension, fast heartbeat, upset stomach and headache. Feelings of fear, forgetfulness, disappointment or failure, even racing thoughts, or drawing a “blank”. Symptoms of anxiety can interfere with what you are trying to accomplish, especially where a test is concerned.
Some things that can be done to prevent test anxiety are; Practice good study habits, be well rested and well fed before an exam. Limit your distractions. Learn the material well enough that you can recall it even when anxious. Stay relaxed, learn some deep breathing or relaxation techniques. Stay positive. Remind yourself, this isn’t that bad, I want to do well. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Worrying about other students finishing before you is a bad idea. Instead, remind yourself, everyone works at different paces, each what works for them. If you do poorly on a test, evaluate yourself to find out how you could improve the next time. If you can’t answer a question right away, don’t panic. Instead, skip the question, do a couple others. Then come back to it. After the test, point out to yourself, it wasn’t that bad, or hey, I think I did alright. These strategies, and some others, when put to use, will minimize your anxieties and fears, so you can perform on your tests without apprehension.
http://ub-counseling.buffalo.edu/stresstestanxiety.shtml
http://www.campusblues.com/test.asp
http://www.how-to-study.com/testanxiety.htm
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