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.
Share these tips with your students to help them feel prepared:
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!
And most importantly….
4. Get enough sleep!
5. Eat breakfast!
Terrific Test Tips To Prevent Test Terror
The day has come. You’re staring at your test. Now what? Try the 4 R’s.
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!
Enrich Your Classroom by adding topical supplements from Premier. Convenient, easily accessible resources for students to increase their learning on specific topics. Visit us at Premier.us!
