Faculty Tips for the Classroom
Test Anxiety
You might see the student display:
- Remarks such as "I can't do it" or "I'll never get it" or "I'm stupid" or "I always fail".
- Crying or expressions of anger/rage before, during, or after tests.
- Physical reactions such as sweating, dry mouth, cold hands, dizzy spells, stomach aches, or headaches prior to or during tests.
- "Going blank" on tests, staring off into space during tests, not answering relatively easy questions, and/or quickly leaving the test environment.
- Few or no attempts at trial-and-error or other problem-solving approaches.
- Fidgeting during tests.
- Knowing the answers immediately after taking the test.
Top strategies to consider
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- Remind student of available resources:
- Math, Science, and Writing Help Desks (Learning Center).
- Checkout of videos and DVDs of math textbooks (Learning Center and LBCC Library).
- Peer tutors at no charge (Learning Center).
- Study skills help (Learning Center).
- The Support Lab (RCH 114).
- Instructor office hours.
- Consider alternative testing formats:
- Combinations of essay, short answer, and/or multiple-choice.
- Oral tests (perhaps in an one-on-one environment with instructor) and/or written tests.
- Longer time limits or no time limits.
- Small-group tests.
- Fragmented tests (completed in small pieces rather than as one large test).
- Assist students in setting up small study groups to study outside of class.
- Consider incorporating test-taking and study skills as part of your class presentation and/or activities.
- Allow students to discuss their fears with you without discounting their feelings.
- Consider providing a less distracting environment for the student to test.
- Write the class calendar on the board each session, listing the day's agenda and reminding them of upcoming assignments and tests.
- Increase students' ability to tolerate frustration by shortening initial assignments but gradually increasing schoolwork.
- Include small assignments that are pleasurable and add points based on completion as opposed to work quality.
- Consider providing lecture notes and other materials online.
- Suggest that the student take a college success class the following term.