test anxiety presentation final...
TRANSCRIPT
Test Anxiety
Michele Vincent, LCSW-R, BCD School Social Worker
What is Anxiety? • a feeling of worry, nervousness, or
unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
• Different than fear- fear is in response to
something realistically intimidating or dangerous and is an appropriate response to a perceived threat; anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, and uneasiness, usually generalized and unfocused as an overreaction to a situation that is only subjectively seen as menacing
Assessments
• The number of assessments students are taking has increased.
• Important part of educational process • Increased emphasis on results (child’s future,
teacher’s accountability, school performance) • Can feel pressure from others to do well • Most people are a little nervous before tests • Lots of talk being facilitated about testing in the
media, community, etc.
What is Test Anxiety? • Test anxiety is an actual type of “performance
anxiety”. Performance anxiety is when a person feels worried about how they will perform (or do something), especially when it’s really important. (Kids Health.org)
• No matter how hard a student has prepared they suddenly cannot recall the information
Symptoms • Increased heart rate • Cold and/0r sweaty palms • Rapid breathing • Panic attacks • Nausea • Headaches • Tense Muscles • Excessive perspiration • Shaking • Dizziness/ Lightheadedness • Flushed skin color
Physical symptoms of anxiety lead to…
• Inability to concentrate • Inability to understand what you are reading on
the exam • Inability to organize your thoughts • Inability to remember what you studied • Inability to recall problem solving strategies • Tardiness or absences on test days • Crying • Hyperactivity/ Jitteriness
Triggers of Test Anxiety • Internal: • Comparing yourself to
others • Lack of preparation/
poor test prep strategies • Low-self esteem/
confidence • Lack of motivation • Perfectionist tendencies/
unrealistic expectations • Worrying about future
(college, career, etc.) • Attention problems
External: • Competitive
Environment • Family Pressures • Poorly designed tests • Past experience of
failure / bad experience
How to Spot Test Anxiety: • Elementary students are more likely to show
physical signs ▫ Poor concentration/ attention ▫ Inappropriate comments, fidgeting, squirming,
staring, crying, etc. ▫ Asking unnecessary questions ▫ Complaining about test items ▫ Seeking unnecessary assistance from others or
cheating ▫ Feigning illness ▫ Repeated visits to the nurse ▫ Psychosomatic complaints the morning of a test
Dealing With Test Anxiety • Suggestions for Students ▫ Have a positive attitude- Encourage
students to think positively and use positive self talk to get them through the test. ▫ Ask for help-Encourage children to ask for
help by talking to a trusted family member, teacher, or counselor. ▫ Be prepared- Encourage students to pay
attention in class, review their homework and study in advance for the test “No Cramming”
What Parents Can Do…
• Write test dates on calendar • Help students gather study materials and set a
study schedule • Discuss the test openly and in a positive way • Have realistic expectations while encouraging
best efforts • Emphasize that the test is only one measure of
who they are as a student • Emphasize that test scores do not determine a
person’s worth
Anxiety Reduction Techniques
• Getting enough sleep • Eating well • Arrive on time (not early) • Exercise • Breathing Techniques • Meditation- picture your “happy place”, slowly count
to ten • Stretching at desk • Taking a break if allowed • Tensing and relaxing muscles-
“push, pull, dangle” • Squeeze ball
Resources • Kidshealth.org has “articles” for students on test
anxiety, effective studying, relaxation techniques, etc.
• Books: ▫ True or False? Tests Stink! ▫ Tyler Tames the Testing Tiger