2024.03.23 What do successful readers do - Sandy Millin for PARK.pptx
Test anxiety
1. COPING WITH
TEST ANXIETY
Welcome to the Viterbo University Coping with Test Anxiety workshop. If
you have additional questions after viewing the workshop, please contact
the Academic Resource Center, 332 Murphy Center, mjgrowt@viterbo.edu
for more information.
2. What is Test Anxiety?
Generally speaking, test anxiety is tension or stress
experienced during or in anticipation of a test
Test Anxiety has two components: physical and
psychological
Physical: butterflies in stomach, sweaty palms, muscle
tension, nausea, sleeplessness
Psychological: worry, panic, negative thoughts, blanking
out
The negative association with exams typically results
from prior bad test experiences; it is not inborn
3. Some anxiety before or during a test is not unusual and
can promote alertness and improve performance
Excessive nervousness, however, can hinder your
ability to focus fully on the exam, causing mental
“static”
Test Anxiety
4. Dealing with the Psychological
Negative thoughts
“Exam + Negative beliefs = Anxiety
Restructure your thoughts
Develop positive thoughts
Create a list of positive affirmations
“I am going to do well on this exam because I prepared well”
5. Dealing with the Psychological
Visualize succeeding on the exam
Be well prepared
Stay away from other anxious people
6. Dealing with the Physical
Practice muscle relaxation
Engage in deep breathing
Use guided imagery
Exercise
Laugh
7. Testing Hints
Read and listen to the directions
Unload
Turn over your test and write down everything you
might forget
Answer the easiest questions first
Take your time
Don’t make assumptions when other students begin to
turn in their tests
8. Don’t Give Up!
Keep practicing coping strategies until you find
something that works for you
You did not develop test anxiety over night, so it likely
will not go away immediately either. It is a skill you can
learn, however
Recognize any progress that you make and reinforce
your coping techniques