Having the “butterflies” during an exam is just one aspect of test anxiety. Even when they are well-prepared, students who experience this condition frequently feel so overwhelmed emotionally and physically during an exam that they lose all cognitive function entirely. Some students even feel like leaving the room to get away from the overwhelming feelings.
When it comes to taking examinations, students are under a great deal of pressure, making test anxiety a very real problem. Unfortunately, instructors and parents who want to see their kids get accepted to college, receive scholarships, and land well-paying professions are a big part of this pressure. Every student has a distinct definition of success, and encouragement is always better for them than criticism.
What is the impact of test anxiety on students?
Students feel there is a chance they could pass or fail an exam. Therefore it is typical to experience some amount of emotional activation before the test. This is advantageous since it marshals your resources for a determined effort at preparation. This level of emotional arousal goes beyond useful when anxiety levels reach their highest point. A student’s performance is harmed, and their anxiousness is amplified. Students could feel physically unwell, including having an upset stomach, sweaty palms, having their heart race, etc. Additionally, they may have difficulty thinking effectively and remembering things.
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Tips to help students overcome test day anxiety.
This has become very common to have anxiety and fear of tests. The basic reason behind this is taking the extra burden on the head, comparison, not being well prepared for the tests, and many more. But it is the responsibility of teachers and students to take extra care of the students and help them to overcome it. Here are some tips which will be helpful in fighting this test day anxiety.
Ask students the source of their fears.
It can be very helpful in determining the best strategy to manage test anxiety to have a better knowledge of why a student is feeling it or if there are other variables aggravating it. Helping children develop their emotional vocabulary can be highly beneficial because some students will be able to express their emotions better than others. In any case, asking the question will yield useful hints regarding what will reduce a student’s anxiety.
Teach students how to take tests effectively
Ensure that nervous students feel comfortable with and confident in their test-taking abilities as well as the actual material they are being tested on to help them relax. These excellent practices include thoroughly reading questions before responding to them (particularly for challenging technology-enhanced item types), avoiding questions that students are unfamiliar with to conserve time, and going over responses as time permits.
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Teach them the realization and relaxation methods to reduce test anxiety
Most likely, you want to address the source of your student’s fear as soon as possible. To let them realize they don’t need to worry, you want to have a heart-to-heart conversation with them. Therefore, you must assist your kid in coping with its effects before addressing the underlying causes of anxiety. Give your kids the means to manage their anxiety by providing them with resources. Teach your students how to breathe properly and encourage frequent self-affirmation. These routines assist your pupil in overcoming the crippling consequences of anxiety every day.
Arrive early to the test
Being late can make an already challenging situation even more challenging. You can experience increased pressure if your test is timed as you attempt to complete all of the questions before the timer expires. You might just experience more tension if you rush to arrive on time. If you spend the ten minutes before the exam rushing to find the perfect spot, you’ll probably bring that anxiousness with you. It is easier to avoid those problems if you arrive early for the exam. Giving yourself some breathing room will also allow you to switch from your usual mindset to “exam mode.”
Keep a positive attitude.
Test-related negative thought patterns are ingrained in students who struggle with exam anxiety. They are concentrating on all the mistakes they might make, all the potential problems, and the dire consequences a poor grade might have. Helping them consider some good earlier experiences will help them change their emphasis. Ask the students to share their performance, their thoughts, and the action plan. This will help to be more positive during exams. This negative cycle can be broken, and tension can be reduced by getting students to pause and reflect on their own talents.
The Final Word
Being a teacher, you are also responsible for helping the students to overcome test day anxiety. This is very necessary to help the students from this anxiety. If you have a passion for teaching and want to expand your online coaching business, then Classplus is here to help you. Get your own personalized app and reach out to a larger number of students across the country. To know more, connect with us and talk to our experts now!
