As much as we dread standardized tests as teachers, just think of the stress it causes in our students. We certainly feel stress knowing that, for many of us, our performance is based on how well students do on these tests. However, for students who experience test anxiety, they not only have the stress of taking a test, but also the feeling of failure. Here are some strategies to use with your students in helping them overcome their test anxiety.
Understanding How the Brain Works
It doesn't take very long to teach your students how their brain works. No matter how old or young, your students should be able to understand the basics.
Earlier this year we posted an article with information on the theory of the Triune Brain. Here is just another way you can use this research to help your students.
Explain the basic theory to your class. Be sure to put it into terms they can understand.
Discuss/ Brainstorm different events that can cause them to shift from their "thinking" brain to one of the smaller sections of their brain. These might include being hungry, having to use the restroom, fighting with someone or being angry, being frustrated, being tired, being afraid, etc.
Work out with students ways to overcome these stumbling blocks. Prepare, with your students, a classroom environment that will help them stay in "thinking" mode throughout the test.
Create Favorable Testing Conditions
Have healthy easy snacks, high in carbohydrates if possible, available for students in the classroom. Always approach this as both a necessity and a privilege for students. Be sure that you explain your expectations regarding food in the classroom in detail. When students understand why the food is available and your expectations, they will be less likely to take advantage of the situation. I like to keep goldfish crackers, Triskets, apple slices, trail-mix, and popcorn available on testing days. Be sure that you have disposable bowls and napkins as well.
If you teach younger students, or have a morning testing class, provide a small breakfast for students. You might offer muffins and juice or ready-to-eat fruit.
Be sure the lighting in your classroom is adequate. If not, bring in a few lamps from home to add more soft light. Also check the temperature of the room. If conditions are too cold or hot, students will be more concerned about the temperature than the test. Lastly, are students moderately comfortable? You don't want things too cozy, but if a large student is crammed into a small desk, his or her brain will Not be on the test.
Explain restroom procedures to students. Make sure they understand that they are not required to "hold it", but that they need to give you a signal. Some teachers like to give each student a small piece of colored construction paper folded in half. The student places this card on their desk to signal the teacher when they are in need of assistance, a snack, or a restroom break. I personally like to laminate these cards so that they last all year.
Encourage students to eat a good meal and get at least eight hours of sleep the night before a big test. This will help students arrive to school rested. Also, you want to encourage students to arrive a little bit early so that they do not feel rushed before taking the test. This is especially important for high school students taking the ACT or SAT tests.
Teach Students Calming Exercises
What do you do with a student who has severe test anxiety or who clams up suddenly during a test? Here are the steps you can teach your students when they are feeling nervous or tired during a test.
Close your test booklet and place your answer sheet in the middle of the booklet.
Close your eyes.
Imagine yourself in your favorite place - somewhere quiet where you feel calm and relaxed.
Slowly count to ten or take several slow deep breaths.
Don't think about the test, but try to keep your mind empty/ calm (in other words, don't start thinking about what you are going to do later in the day, etc.)
When you feel ready, open your test booklet and begin again.
How can students know when they need to take a breather?
I'm feeling sick to my stomach/ butterflies/ anxious
I'm thinking about everything except the test
I'm feeling frustrated
I'm feeling angry at someone or something
I'm blanking out at each question
I'm having trouble focusing on the test questions
I'm tired
I'm hungry
I'm thirsty
I have to use the restroom
Brainstorm additional "cues" with your class. You'll be surprised at how many they come up with during your session.
Remember, the more you help your students through the classroom environment and overcoming test anxiety, the better they will do on their tests. This helps you as well, especially if you are evaluated based on student standardized test scores!
