Whether or not you agree with standardized tests as a valid assessment tool for student performance, they are here and it doesn't look like they will be going anywhere for a while. In fact, it seems that the public is leaning more towards these types of tests than they ever have before. What does this mean for us and for our students? Well, basically it means more stress.
We are stressed out because, for many of us, our jobs are directly affected by how well our students perform on these tests. Some of us feel the need to "teach to the test" while others take a "back to the basics" approach with students.
One factor that is not often discussed, though, is student test anxiety. I believe that low student scores are often the result of fear and frustration rather than lack of knowledge. This is especially true of our "bubble" students, or the students who are on the verge of a passing score.
Just imagine yourself in their place. You know how to work multiplication word problems. You've done it a hundred times in class and most of the time you pass with an average grade. Then a test is placed in front of you. You are told that this is a very important test, and that how well you score will determine what you have and have not learned. You might even be told that this will effect whether or not you go up to the next grade level. Now you are getting nervous and your palms are sweating. You have butterflies in your stomach. You think that you can do this, but you aren't quite sure. The more you think about it, the more nervous you get. Suddenly all you can think about is how nervous and/or scared you are. The teacher announces that it is time to open the test booklet. You see the first question and your mind goes blank.
How many of you have experienced this same sensation? I know I have, both as a student and as an adult. This is test anxiety. It is a fear that causes your brain to downshift (see Triune Brain) to a lower "gear". When going through test anxiety, it is virtually impossible to concentrate on working through individual test questions.
One way that we can help students is by explaining the concept of test anxiety to our students. Let them know that this is perfectly normal and that it happens to most people. Next, explain to them the concepts of the Triune Brain. Help them understand how their fear is keeping them from using the "thinking" part of their brain.
Another way we can help our students is by approaching the test as another assignment. By placing so much emphasis on it, we only increase the chances of student anxiety. Why do you think some of our more challenging students mark the answer key without even looking at the test? The thought is, "Well, I'm going to fail anyway, so why not do it up right?" However, if we use encouraging words and explain to our students the purpose of the test, I think you'll find that ALL of your students try their best.
You might say something such as, "Next week we are going to be taking the _______ test. I know that each and every one of you will do well because we've practiced all of these skills in class. Here are some of the skills you'll be asked to do - multiply, add, etc.. I don't want anyone to be nervous or scared about this test. The reason why we are taking it is so that you and your parents can see what skills you can do really well and what skills you still need to work on. I want you to try your best so that we can get a true picture of where you are in your learning. If you don't know how to do some of the questions, it doesn't mean that you are dumb. It just means that you still need to practice those skills."
Of course you'll want to gear your conversation for the age group you are teaching. However, your goal should be to help students understand the purpose of the test. By explaining test anxiety and why students need to take the test, you should end up with a class ready to do their best without stressing out completely. This leads to a win-win situation for everyone!
For practical tips on how to help students overcome their test anxiety, see our tip entitled "Overcoming Test Anxiety".
