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Test Anxiety and Ways to Cope |
What is test anxiety?
Generally, we all experience some level of nervousness or tension before tests or other important events in our lives. The term "test anxiety" refers to the emotional, physical, and cognitive reactions that some students have to exams. The fear of exams is not an irrational fear--after all, how you perform on college exams can shape the course of an academic career.
Some students experience physical symptoms of anxiety before and during exams (an upset stomach, sweaty palms, etc.). Many of these students have trouble recalling information that they actually know and become so nervous about preparing for or taking a test that they have difficulty planning, thinking, concentrating, and relaxing. A little nervousness can actually help motivate us; however, excessive fear of exams is a problem when it interferes with your ability to be successful in college.
Completing this module will help you understand what test anxiety is, when it is a normal reaction, and ways to cope with it. Also included are some strategies on taking tests that will be useful even if you don't think you suffer from unsually high test anxiety.
By completing this module, you will:
- determine if you have excessive, irrational anxiety about taking tests.
- identify two causes of test anxiety.
- list three signs that you aren't well prepared for a test.
- plan a semester-long test-taking strategy to cope with test anxiety and improve test scores.
- explain the role good health habits play in doing well on tests.
- identify three things you could do to improve your eating and exercise habits
- use relaxation techniques to cope with test anxiety.
Activity 1:
Are you "test anxious?" Answer these questions to find out.
Now read about test anxiety, strategies for coping, and relaxation techniques.
The materials for the iStudy for Success modules were originally developed at thethe Jack P. Royer Center for Learning and Academic Technologies.
Additional materials were developed and assistance was provided by the University Learning Centers (ULC), University Park.
The ANGEL version of the modules is being administered by TLT. For more information about iStudy for Success modules, please contact tlt@psu.edu.
The Pennsylvania State University ©2004 All rights reserved. Please read the entire license agreement before distributing the modules, and before modifying and sharing the content of the modules. This statement MUST accompany this module and all derivative works.