TECHNIQUES TO CONTROL TEST ANXIETY
1.
When
doing homework, do several problems before checking the answers, or include
even problems in each assignment.
2.
During
review, work different problems rather than use the same problems many times.
3.
After
review, work through an old exam in order to practice use of time and to get
exposure to exam-type problems.
4.
Review
vocabulary, formulas, symbols and theorems early the day of the exam and quit.
Then 30 to 45 minutes before the exam, review these things again.
5.
Sit
in the front row in the corner.
6.
When
taking a test, use a strategy appropriate to your learning style. Some students
like a systematic approach: start with the first problem and work your way
through. Others do better by scanning the whole exam first and picking
something easy to start with: do the questions you know how to do first, and
save the harder ones for last.
7.
Divide
the time allowed and total points into thirds in order to keep track of time.
8.
If
stuck on any problem, move on to the next problem and make efficient use of the
time; don't spend more than 5 minutes looking at a problem without doing any
work.
9.
There
are usually no surprises. Consider how the problem might relate to material
that has been studied. Your first hunch is usually the best.
10.
Use
BREAK TIME to relieve anxiety. Count erasers or chalk, or say the alphabet. Try
anything that has a beginning and an end and takes less than 15 seconds.
Concentration must be absolute.
11.
After
you are handed the exam, but before you begin working on it, consider how good
you would feel if you received an exam grade of A.
5/04/2006. George Alexander, Mathematics
faculty, Madison Area Technical College