| The following is a classic example of test anxiety: | | | | helplessness and disappointment are common |
| You went to class, completed your homework, | | | | emotional responses. The symptoms come on |
| tackled tough essays and studied. You arrive at | | | | quickly and will usually follow physical symptoms |
| the exam confident you know the material. As | | | | with that sudden "the bottom just fell out of my |
| you take your seat, you start to feel butterflies in | | | | world" feeling. |
| your stomach and your palms begin to sweat. | | | | Behavioral/Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty |
| Even though you prepared for the test, your | | | | concentrating, thinking negatively and comparing |
| butterflies turn to nausea. You are sweating | | | | yourself to others are all common responses. |
| profusely. You feel lightheaded. Your heart is | | | | Some children get so frustrated that they strike |
| racing. Your mind is a complete blank. You want | | | | out at whatever is closest, which can lead to |
| to run out of the room. | | | | other problems besides failing a test. |
| You may have test anxiety. Read on for causes, | | | | How can you manage your test anxiety? |
| symptoms and ways to help you manage test | | | | The anxiety can get so bad that it makes it hard |
| anxiety. | | | | for you to learn, study or even concentrate. It |
| What is Test Anxiety? | | | | can effect your grades and even drive you to |
| Test anxiety is one of the performance anxieties | | | | quit school. Here are some tips that may help: |
| - just like when some people get nervous | | | | Be Well Prepared: Don't put it off until the last |
| speaking to large crowds or trying something | | | | minute and expect to cram all night before a test. |
| new, but deals specifically with taking tests. A lot | | | | Start as far out as you can and take it in small |
| of people just aren't what they call good test | | | | increments to fully digest the material and give |
| takers. Test Anxiety includes the intense panic, | | | | you confidence. Set up a practice test and get |
| physical symptoms, and a completely blank mind | | | | used to going through the same type of testing |
| that takes the stress of taking a test to another | | | | scenario. |
| level. | | | | Work on Test-Taking Skills: Always read the |
| What Causes Test Anxiety? | | | | directions through before you begin. Answer |
| There are a number of reasons that test anxiety | | | | everything you are sure of first, and then go |
| may occur. Here are a few of the reasons: | | | | back to the harder questions. If you have essay |
| Fear of Failure: Although working under pressure | | | | questions, practice writing outlines first. |
| can be motivating for many, it can be very | | | | Keep Your Attitude Positive: Your self-worth is |
| difficult for students who have issues with | | | | not tied to how well you do on a test. Set realistic |
| self-esteem and are depending on the outcome | | | | and attainable goals for your study and for the |
| of a test as a measure of self worth. Fear of | | | | outcome. When doubt creeps in, turn the |
| failure is a common problem with many kids. | | | | thoughts positive. Find ways to reward yourself |
| Lack of Preparation: Procrastination and waiting | | | | for reaching your goals and for staying positive. |
| until the last minute or even plain not studying can | | | | Tune Your Focus: Direct your concentration on |
| certainly create stress and feelings of anxiety. | | | | the test and not on other people during the exam. |
| This is one of those stresses that can easily be | | | | Narrow your focus to the material that you are |
| avoided. | | | | confident that you know from your good study |
| Poor Test History: Poor performance on tests | | | | habits and your positive attitude. Don't discuss the |
| can be a habit when previous problems or bad | | | | test with others before the test. |
| experiences with test-taking cause the "I am | | | | Learn Relaxation and De stressing Techniques: |
| going to fail anyway" kind of negative attitude. | | | | Learn some techniques that you can use during a |
| One or two failures can set a pattern that is | | | | test situation to help you relax, such as deep |
| difficult to break. | | | | breathing and muscle relaxation techniques. |
| Symptoms of Test Anxiety | | | | Keep Fit: If you are physically fit and healthy it will |
| There are a variety of symptoms that may (or | | | | be a whole lot easier to handle anxiety and |
| may not) present in the areas of physical, | | | | stressful situations. Make sure you eat a balanced |
| emotional and behavior. Some of these | | | | diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of rest at |
| symptoms include: | | | | night. |
| Physical Symptoms: Headache, nausea, diarrhea, | | | | Get Help: Talk with your doctor, counselor or |
| excessive sweating, shortness of breath, rapid | | | | therapist about the problems you have during a |
| heartbeat, light-headed and feeling faint can all | | | | testing situation. They may be able to help get |
| occur. Test anxiety can lead to a panic attack, | | | | you on the right track. |
| which is the sudden onset of intense fear or | | | | Test anxiety is real and can be very debilitating |
| discomfort where you feel unable to breathe or | | | | for the child who goes into a panic attack at |
| are having a heart attack. | | | | every test. Use these helpful tips and talk to a |
| Emotional Symptoms: Feelings of anger, fear, | | | | professional about your child's testing problems. |