Test Taking Lecture 1

Test anxiety is a major issue for a lot of students (which is why we have a whole lecture devoted to it!).

Test Anxiety…One of the Major Deterrents to Good Test Taking *Desensitize yourself (it’s a process that won’t happen overnight). How can I overcome my test anxiety? *Re-program your attitude toward tests—grades are NOT a measure of your worth as a person. *If you did poorly on a test, you are simply a person who did poorly on a test…no more and no less!

*Don’t put unnecessary pressure on your perform- ance. *Keep a test in its proper perspective. *However, recognize that your fear of exams is not irrational. *How you perform WILL affect your college career, but… excessive fear of tests will interfere with your ability to take them successfully! *What you must do is learn to use your natural nervousness to your advantage.

Dealing with Test Anxiety Be confident. Do everything you can to be READY for a test. Compare test preparation to a countdown in missile launching.

As the final countdown approaches…make sure you do the following: 1.REVIEW 2.GET A GOOD NIGHT’S REST 3.EXPECT YOUR ANXIETY LEVEL TO INCREASE 4.INSTEAD OF PANIC…TRY TO CHANGE YOUR FEELINGS INTO A SENSE OF EAGER ANTICIPATION (like a runner about to start a race).

*Be positive. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones: I know I can do this. I studied the best I could, and I know the material. Visualize success. Understand that some nervousness is normal & beneficial.