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SUCCESS ON YOUR TESTS. FGCU—COUNSELING AND STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES. Effects of Stress on Test-Taking. Cognitive Emotional Behavioral Biological. Cognitive. Problems with: Attention Concentration Memory while studying—drawing a blank. Emotional. Noticeably anxious Irritable
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SUCCESS ON YOUR TESTS FGCU—COUNSELING AND STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
Effects of Stress on Test-Taking • Cognitive • Emotional • Behavioral • Biological
Cognitive • Problems with: • Attention • Concentration • Memory while studying—drawing a blank
Emotional • Noticeably anxious • Irritable • Frustrated • Depressed feeling may develop
Behavioral • May tend towards withdrawal or avoidance • Lashing out • Procrastinating
Biological • Muscle aches • Tension • Fatigue • Gastrointestinal • Sleep patterns disturbed • Appetite changes
Coping with test anxiety • Be aware of and challenge any distorted situational or self-appraisals. • Calm down, relax, take a deep breath and focus. • Use some relaxation techniques if necessary to calm yourself: e.g. picture a mountain meadow with pretty flowers.
Coping with test anxiety (cont.) • Prior to exams: • Get plenty of rest. • Enjoy a healthy diet. • Take time for both exercise and relaxation. • Participate in a study skills technique and time management sessions.
Effective Test-Taking:before the exam • Divide the review material into logical sections: • Theories • Terms • General trends • Know in advance what your professor expects and allows during the test!
Effective Test-Taking: before the exam • Find out what the exam will cover! • Find out what kind of exam it will be! • Review methodically! • Separate review time from daily study time! • Review in shorter periods of time! • Review worst subjects first!
Effective Test-Taking:during the exam • Take a look at the entire exam. • Be aware of the point value of each questions assigned. • Underline significant words e.g. compare. • Don’t assume, ask the professor. • Answer the questions you feel most comfortable with first.
Effective Test-Taking:during the exam • Keep point value and time allotted in mind, but don’t dwell on it. • Pace yourself as you work. • Check over your paper when you’re done: catch careless errors.
Effective Test-Taking:after the exam • Analyze not only what you did wrong, but why you did it incorrectly! • Did I read too fast? • Did I misuse my time? • Did I not study enough for a particular portion? • Did I assume and not ask?