Don’t Stress Over the Test! Kendal Moses & Carol Sintobin NRS 230 Spring 2014

Objectives Is testing anxiety an issue for you? Statistics on test anxiety in the nation. Information on teaching. Discussion of health promotions. Resources available to an Owens students with test anxiety.

Introduction Do you often feel overly stressed or anxious about an upcoming test? Many college students suffer from test anxiety. Click on the picture to answer a few question related to test anxiety.

Why is test anxiety an issue? For many college students, taking a test can cause the way one performs on an exam to be negatively impacted. After a poor performance on a test, more stress and anxiety about future exams and classes can be added. Stress is normal part of life. Everyone experiences stress throughout their lives. Many College students experience stress due to life changes such as lack of money, lacking sleep, new situations, no quiet place to study.

Statistics 62% of students are academically affected from test anxiety or stress. Based on a national survey, reported that stress affected a student grade during finals week. In 2012, of college students that are seeking medical advice have psychological problems. 30% 37.5% Depression and anxiety are the most established psychological problems among college students.

Why do we stress about the test? Fear of failure Lack of preparation Poor test history It is easy for students to feel overwhelmed and stressed when it comes time to prepare and take exams. Test anxiety stems mostly from the fear of failure, lack of preparation, or poor test history. If a student fails a test, they are often stressed and worried about their future. Previous poor performance on an exam greatly effects a person’s perspective about upcoming exams and increases his or her anxiety and stress levels.

Test Anxiety and Your Health Physical symptoms: Headache, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and feeling faint Emotional symptoms: Fear, disappointment, helplessness, and anger Cognitive symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, comparing self to others, and negative thinking Test anxiety can directly effect one’s health. Not only can the stress be physically exhausting, but it can be emotionally and cognitively exhausting as well. In severe cases of test anxiety, a student may have a panic attack and feel short of breath or have chest pain. Managing your stress and test anxiety can greatly benefit your health.

Decrease Your Stress about the Test Be prepared Develop a routine Keep a positive attitude Learn relaxation techniques Concentrate and budget your time Stay healthy Use campus centers and resources There is a difference in thinking you know the material and knowing you know the material. Study in small intervals several days before the exam and avoid “cramming” for exams. Developing a routine is very beneficial for some people. It helps to relieve stress and make a person feel comfortable. Relaxation techniques can include slow deep breaths to stretching before exams. Muscle relaxation can help relieve stress and decrease anxiety. Time management and concentration are two important factors in taking exams. Wear a watch so you are able to frequently keep track of time. Do not spend too much time on one question. If you do not know a question, skip it and move on if you are able to return to it later. If you are not able to go back, pick your “gut” answer and move on. Wasting too much time on one question can put you behind and make you stressed out later in the exam. Stay concentrated before and during the exam to promote good time management. Tips to staying focused for exams include not talking to others before the exam, not worrying about others finishing before you, and not letting outside stimuli bother you. Being healthy greatly reduces your stress and can help with test anxiety. Getting a good night’s sleep and eating a healthy meal before an exam are extremely important in reducing stress both physically and mentally. Some students find exercise to be beneficial in relieving stress.

Take time off from studying and enjoy this video about helpful test taking tips! Click on the picture below to view the video:

Resources Available for YOU! Disability Services Testing Center Academic Learning Centers Student Mental Health Services If believe you suffer from test anxiety or stress and its effecting your life, speak up! There are many people and resources available to you here at Owens. To learn more about these resources visit the Owens homepage and use the above keywords. Don’t let your future be effected by stress and anxiety!

You can SUCCEED! Conclusion Test anxiety is a common problem college students deal with. Be prepared and think positively about exams! Manage your stress and develop routines to prevent anxiety. Remember there are many resources available for those who suffer from test anxiety. You can SUCCEED!

References (2012). Stress and Anxiety Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-05-10/stress-takes-its-toll- on-college-students (2014). Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Retrieved from https://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety. (2014). Test Anxiety. Retrieved from http://www.jccc.edu/counseling/personal- test-anxiety.html. Barhyte, D. (2013, April 10). Do You Have Test Anxiety? Take Our Quiz! Retrieved from http://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/test- prep/blog/do-you-have-test-anxiety-take-our-quiz/. Hall-Favin, D., M.D. (2011, September 16). Test anxiety: Can it be treated? Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/expert-answers/test- anxiety/faq-20058195. The NED Show. (2013, February 8). NED’s Test Prep Rap Song Video. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT_HlRugrR8.