Here are some things you can do before, during, and after a test to reduce your test anxiety.
- Use good study techniques to gain cognitive mastery of the material that will be covered on the test. This mastery will help you to approach the test with confidence rather than have excessive anxiety. Employ the tips we provide at Study Habits.
- Maintain a positive attitude as you study. Think about doing well, not failing. Think of the test as an opportunity to show how much you have learned.
- Go into the test well rested and well fed. Get enough sleep the night before the test. Eat a light and nutritious meal before the test. Stay away from junk foods.
- Stay relaxed during the test. Taking slow, deep breaths can help. Focus on positive self-statements such as “I can do this.”
- Follow a plan for taking the test such as the DETER strategy we describe at A Strategy for Taking Tests. Don’t panic even if you find the test difficult. Stay with your plan!
- Don’t worry about other students finishing the test before you do. Take the time that you need to do your best.
- Once you finish the test and hand it in, forget about it temporarily. There is nothing more you can do until the graded test is returned to you. Turn your attention and effort to new assignments and tests.
- When the graded test is returned to you, analyze it to see how you could have done better. Learn from your mistakes and from what you did well. Apply this knowledge when you take the next test.
You have to know the material to do well on a test. You have to control test anxiety to show what you know.
The above information thankfully comes from the how-to-study.com at the following link.
