Test Anxiety And How You Can Be A Better Test Taker

From a psychological perspective, our responses to environmental stimulus, and issues pertaining to life, anxiety level is said to be a key factor in how humans perceive and react. It comes without saying; everyone does not posses the same abilities, especially where test taking is concerned, but all can adopt and improve. Each individual may vary, and in most cases, significantly, depending on their level of exposure and adaptability.

While test taking may just be a tip of the iceberg, there is a great deal of mental acuity that is involved in becoming efficient at any task that requires a high level of concentration. I am what you consider a "not-so-good" test taker; at least, I used to be. This problem has affected me throughout my college career, but I have learned how to overcome by applying a few techniques, which I deemed might also help you. It has been since recent that I am becoming more comfortable with taking tests. Consequently, I don't think the problem lies in the actual taking of the test, but rather, the moments prior to performing the actual task. I have tried many suggestions, including those offered to me by friends and college professors. Did they work? Well, a few of them did, but the results were questionable. I am a good student, and for the most part, can very good when I put things into perspective. I study hard, sometimes even more than I should, but I still do not produce the way I know I can.

I have had some of the toughest classes in my career, but none so hard that distorted my confidence. Mind you, I posses a high self esteem and great poise in abilities. Therefore, I do not think my study habits are appalling; in fact, they just don't measure up to the amount of effort I put in tests preparation. For example, the night before the test, I would review what I have studied days in advance. I get adequate sleep, and set aside ample time for relaxation. However, moments before the test, I start to question myself; wondering whether or not I had covered everything. Deep down I know I have, but, based on the subject matter, I somehow feel under prepared. Does that ever happen to you?

I mean, moments leading up to the test, my palms began to sweat and my mind became discombobulated with information irrelevant to the actual test. My next reaction would be to try and figure out which parts, if any, of the material had I left out. By this time, I begin to feel the need to review again; and it is at this time that all the material became unfamiliarly foreign to me.

According to psychologists, Good tests define and energize the teaching/learning process; bad tests ruin it. Both teachers and students benefit from tests. Teachers need to know what students have internalized from their lessons in order to select and focus subsequent lessons. Tests provide that information. Students need to review, organize, structure, recall and apply new learning to make it their own. Tests measure their progress toward that goal said, School psychologist Beth Bruno.

During the test, I would normally start by scanning to the entire test to see what, if anything, looked familiar, and if not, I would then proceed to the area that seem easiest. More times than any, I would start with the multiple choices. By doing this, I felt it would boost my chances of obtaining a reasonable score. Sometimes it works, and other times it shatters my score and tarnished my performance.

I have always loved the Sciences because I thought scientist were the wisest of all people among humans. Their ability to collect data, analyze and interpret and synthesize the world through test and experiments seemed adventurous. Although, among the Sciences Physics and Organic Chemistry remain the hardest for me. And often times, after having reviewed the test and saw my foolish mistakes, I knew that I could have done better.

Having thoroughly researched information on test anxiety, I have come to this conclusion; as a test-taker thinks, so does his environment materializes. The reality of that statement when simply put, is that, we all have some control over the final outcome.

Whether temporary or permanent, what we receive is a direct result of that which we perceive mentally. As a result, negative thinking is the root of poor test performance, and I was the patient. As stated in a report, thought awareness, rational thinking and positive thinking tools help foster the right environment for the mind to function at its best. Experts call this process cognitive therapy or "Cognitive Restructuring." Thought awareness is a technique whereby the individual examines his or her thought process, and determines if the current thought promotes a positive outlook or a negative one. If the thought does not coincide with the desired goal, the individual is advised to reconstruct their mental state by refocusing only on those things which lead to positive results. Examples of negative thoughts can be lack of confidence in test-taking abilities; believing the worst at all times, and been overwhelm with the feeling of ill-equipped and doubts. All these and many others aid in suppressing the positive feedback mechanism which increases creativity and optimal performance.

On the other hand, Drs. D. Greenberger and C. Padesky, from their book (Mind over Mood) suggest that in order for poor test-takers to become more proficient at test taking, they need to apply the following strategies:

1. Write down the situation that triggered the negative thoughts

2. Identify the moods felt in the situation

3. Record the automatic thoughts that are experienced when they are felt

4. Identify the evidence that supports these hot thoughts

5. Identify the evidence that does supports these hot thoughts

6. Identify fair, balanced thoughts about the situation

7. Observe your mood now and think about what you are going to do

Scientist believe that this procedure will force the individual to analyze his thoughts, before and after, then determine the priority of the thought in terms of whether or not it useful for dealing with the current situation.

After reexamining my reaction to text taking, I now see how positive thinking can be used to foster a better frame of mind. I believe if I had applied one or more of the techniques listed above, my level of anxiety would have been lessened. Sometimes the pressures of doing well, getting the GPA needed for entrance into college programs, can be enough to change the course of a test result, but they do not have to be the determining factor; mental preparation, self control and positive thinking can transform your experience into astonishing endings.

Andrew Guy is a freelance writer, motivational speaker, an hilarious stand-up comic, and father of one. In the past he's also been a television comedy show writer. Check out my website at http://www.datphunnyguy.com

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Barbara Marciniak