Test Anxiety
True or False: Test anxiety feels the same for everyone.
False
True or False: Studying for a test means you will not have test anxiety.
False
True or False: Eating a healthy breakfast is important on test day.
True
True or False: Reading the directions on a test is not important.
False; Read directions carefully!!
"I'm going to fail this test!"
Ex. "I'm going to try my best!"
What is the first thing we should try if we notice signs we're experiencing test anxiety?
Take deep breaths.
What does the "freeze response" look or sound like during a test?
Too many thoughts, leaving answers blank, forgot what we learned, giving up.
Name 2 things that are out of our control on test day.
Date of the test, questions on test, how the room feels/sounds/smells, other people's progress.
Which strategy can we use on a difficult multiple choice question?
Notice important words, eliminate wrong answers, skip & come back later.
"I can't figure this out, it's too hard!"
Ex. "I can't figure this out yet. I can ask for help."
Test anxiety is a type of _________ anxiety, which is when we feel pressure to do well.
Performance anxiety
Name 3 different emotions that may come up when experiencing test anxiety.
Fear, worry, anger, sadness, stress, frustration, etc.
Name 3 things that are in your control on test day.
When I go to bed, my breathing, how I speak to myself, my effort, if I study/practice.
Name 2 quick brain breaks we can use during a test.
Deep breaths, stretch, finger taps, roll your shoulders, etc.
"Everyone else is doing better than me."
Ex. "I will focus on my own progress."
What fears or worries can come up when we experience test anxiety?
Afraid of forgetting answers, failing, being the last one to finish, running out of time, etc.
Give 2 examples of thoughts that might come up when we have test anxiety.
Ex. "What if I forget everything and fail?"
Give 2 examples of positive self-talk we can use on test day.
Ex. "You've got this!" "You are smart!"
Who was the tallest President?
Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Michelle Obama, Derek Jeter
Important word: President
Eliminate wrong answers: Michelle Obama, Derek Jeter
"If I fail this test, my life is ruined."
Ex. "Even if I fail this test, I'm still a valuable person."
Explain what happens in the brain when someone experiences test anxiety.
The Guard Dog sends a false alarm making it harder to remember what we learned or make good choices.
Name 4 physical sensations we may feel when experiencing test anxiety.
Heart pounding, racing thoughts, fast breathing, stomachaches, sweaty hands, etc.
Explain why it's helpful to focus on what is in our control on test day.
Answers will vary.
What is the average price of one stick of gum?
$100.00, $5.00, $0.20, $1.00
Important words: average, one stick
Eliminate wrong answers: $100.00, $5.00
"I'll never understand how to do this!"
Ex. "I will keep trying or ask for help."