Anxiety
I have a student that doesn't have a "disability" but has extreme anxiety associated with taking tests. What are some ways that I can help ease this anxiety and help her?
I love the mock tests idea! I will use that.
Laurna,
the techniques from the series sound like a great idea to help students in their preparation.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
This may sound silly, but when i was young there was a series out called "Where there's a will there's and A" and it covers a lot of test taking techniques to reduce test anxiety. One recommendation is to take time to review material right before the exam so that it is fresh or create an outline of main topics to review right before the test.
I also use the "lucky pencil" technique. Here and there I give my students that are anxious a "lucky pencil" to use - not to imply that they do not have to study, but to give them a little confidence boost to ease their anxiety and help them access the information that they know.
Miklyn,
this is a good example & strategy to share with your students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have had Test Anxiety and I take deep breathes and try to erase any distractions out of my head. I try to focus on the Test and not on everything else. I think it has gotten easier as I have gotten older.
Nicole,
You are right that the test anxiety can really trip up even the most prepared students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I find that test anxiety often has little to do with the student's knowledge or skill in the class and EVERYTHING to do with his or her confidence. I like to make my reviews very fun, pressure free, and team oriented with jeopardy style reviews. This allows the students to view the information as a fun activity rather than a threatening situation.
I also remind my students before giving tests that they need to trust their instincts and not put so much pressure on themselves. Students tend to be harder on themselves than necessary.
Jason,
this is a good idea & I also like to lighten the mood overall for the exams. I try not to make a huge deal about the exams or pretend like their careers depend on just one exam in my classes.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have students that perform well with verbal assignments in class, but tense up when exams are given. I suggest to them taking deep breaths and I even try to get a laugh or two out of the class before the exam to reduce the tension.
some students with anxiety have alot of dificulty taken exams, even they know the material one thing i do is to examin them oraly in a quiet room so they feel more confortable.
Mark,
that is a great idea & strategy to help students who are struggling. I know in our school for the public speaking class, they start off with a short personal experience speech to make things easier for the student.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I had a student that could not answer verbally in class. I explained it is easiest to get over stage fright to verbally answer questions out loud is to speak on a topic they know the most about of anyone in the room. I had them speak about their weird family members and suddenly they got over their stage fright. I could go on with my quizzing via the Socratic method and they were fine.
ROBIN,
that encouragement from the instructor really is incredibly valuable for the students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I try to talk to the student ahead and time (in private) and just let that student know that this is just a test. Nothing earth shattering will happen if he/she doesn't pass it. He/she does well in class, always has turned in assignments, studies for the exam, "so you got this" is what I tell that student. I always let that person know "Trying your best is all anyone can expect, and I don't expect anymore or less from you."
A little pep talk can go a long way.
David,
the mock tests are a great way to introduce students to your testing style & to help them know how to prepare.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Reassurance and patience is one of the best ways to handle a student with anxiety. I strongly believe that mock tests can build confidence and also help the student to focus on what are the important and necessary information to learn.
Christina,
practice tests are a great idea as they help students get used to your testing style & feel more prepared on how to prepare/study.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Christina,
practice tests are a great idea as they help students get used to your testing style & feel more prepared on how to prepare/study.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I would give practice test and try to motivate the student that the feelings that he or she is experiencing are normal. We all feel that way you just have to except it that s your body getting ready for the test. Some studies suggest it is beneficial to the person who is taking the test they just have to realize that it is normal and change it into a positive.
