Every Scholar’s Nemesis
When the pressure is on and you absolutely have to make that good grade, your brain may go completely blank. Feelings of frustration and discouragement often follow when the grade comes out and the score is lower than expected. What causes students to freeze and forget information? Well, psychologists have proven that reduced working memory, confused reading, and increased error are all products of high test anxiety. Nervous feelings are never completely eliminated before a big test. Nevertheless, here are some tips that anyone can practice to decrease test fright and begin on a path of excellence in the upcoming exam season.
1. Quality Preparation
According to one study, students who score high on the Test Anxiety Scale either have lower grades due to poor study habits or higher grades because of amount and quality of study. That means quality study time is essential to performing well. A combination of the three following directives will aid outstanding study habits. First, studying for fifteen solid minutes can benefit an individual who struggles to pay attention for long periods. Secondly, reviewing important information three times helps the brain process information. Another productive way to study is discussing material with a peer, which gives both of you an advantage. Remember, you are reviewing the material, so you have seen it 2 or 3 times already.
2. Health Promotes Wellness
Getting eight to ten hours of sleep is particularly important for teens because they are constantly growing and changing. Exercise! Go for a run. Play a sport or take a walk outside. Fresh air and endorphins will do you a lot of good.
3. Positive Mindset
Valuable preparation increases stimulation and enthusiasm. When a student feels prepared, their performance improves, causing more positive feelings related to the course. If you recently scored less than perfect on an assessment, focus on the progress you made and strive to understand the concepts that you missed. Also, block out negative nervous talk from peers. This just means that they are anxious, too (and possibly unprepared). If you have thoroughly prepared, you can walk into the room with energy and, in the case of an online charter school, click the “Start Assessment” button with confidence.
4. Find a Confidant
Talk with someone you trust who comprehends test anxiety, has fought it in the past, or is coping with it. Speak with a parent or school counselor. They are quite informed and interested in supporting you. Knowing that you have people in your life who understand your struggle will take a load off of your shoulders.
5. Practice
Continuing to exercise studious habits, focusing on progress, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and opening up to a friend will all require persistent effort. In the end, it will make you much more powerful in the classroom. Plus, the more tests you take, the more comfortable you are with the testing atmosphere. Practicing is probably the most obvious and unwelcome technique to decrease stress, but it is arguably the most effective approach to mastering testing skills.
These five anxiety-fighting guidelines will aid you throughout your high school and college journey. With preparation, practice, and patience you can climb mountains like anxiety in all areas of life. Keep up the hard work! We are almost done with the first semester. Resist over-stressing, stand firm in your study habits, and always be ready to improve.
