Taking tests is an inevitable part of going to school, but, for many students, test-taking can be extremely stressful. You can help decrease anxiety and lower stress levels by making sure your students feel prepared–it’s easier to relax and concentrate when you know you’re ready.
5 Test Prep Tips to Help Students Feel Prepared
Offer students these tips and advice in advance of testing days so that they can mentally prepare. These simple questions and considerations may help to take some of the stress out of testing day.
1. In class, well before the test find out from your teacher…
- What exactly will the test be on?
- What kind of test will it be (definitions, multiple choice, short answer…)?
- Are there review questions your teacher can give you?
2. As you study, remember…
- Get organized. Gather everything you need to review. Study one topic at a time.
- Make a study schedule. Plan to do a little bit at a time, over a week or more.
- Make study aids, like flash cards of definitions, or notes that sum up the most important ideas.
- Try different ways of studying. For example work on explaining things out loud in your own words, re-writes notes, or work through review questions.
3. On the day of the test, remember to…
- Wear comfortable clothes.
- Bring all the supplies you’ll need.
- And…relax!
4. Get enough sleep!
5. Eat breakfast!
Testing Day Tips for Anxious Students
Consider creating a reminder note with these tips for students to read over the week before testing.
Remember the time. Look over the whole test before you start, and think about how long you have to do each part. Pace yourself. You might want to start with the parts that are easiest for you, or the parts that are most important to finish.
Read and read again! It might sound obvious, but…read directions carefully! If it helps you understand and concentrate, underline important words in the question.
Review. Afterward, do review your answers it pays off!
Relax. No test is worth panicking over…and you’ll do better if you’re not panicking too! Use this technique to help you relax: Breathe slowly and deeply. You should feel your stomach, not just your chest, rising when you inhale; this is called “diaphragm breathing”. Try it before your next test!
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More Test Preparation Tips & Solutions
If you’re looking for more suggestions and ideas of products and tools to get your students on track to succeed this testing season, stop by the Test Prep Resources and Technology shop to find classroom management, technology, and even inclusion tools for students of all ages.
See All: Strategies & Solutions to Help Students Prepare
