2. WHAT IS TEST ANXIETY?
A condition
characterized by
persistent anxiety
in a testing
situation that is
severe enough to
seriously interfere
with performance.
A.K.A. Brain
Freeze

3. FOUR MAJOR SYMPTOMS OF TEST
ANXIETY
Physical
Emotional
Behavioral
Cognitive

4. PHYSICAL
Rapid Heartbeat
Dry Mouth
Sweating (change
in body
temperature)
Stomach Ache
Dizziness
Desire to urinate
Low test scores
even after over-
preparation
Headaches

5. EMOTIONAL
Excessive feeling of fear
Disappointments
Anger
Depression
Uncontrollable crying or laughing
Feeling of helplessness

6. COGNITIVE
Racing thoughts
Going blank
Difficulties concentrating
Negative self talk
Feeling of dread
Comparing yourself to others
Difficulties organizing your thoughts

7. BEHAVIORAL
Fidgeting
Pacing
Substance abuse
Avoidance

8. WHY IS THERE ANXIETY?
Expectations too
high
Unexpected low
performance
Overly critical
evaluation
Unorthodox
responses
Low self esteem

9. BATTLING THE
BEAST
How do I deal with Test Anxiety?

10. HOW TO REDUCE TEST
ANXIETY
Preparation
Keep a positive attitude (Don’t put all
your eggs in one basket)
Practice relaxation techniques
Learn good test taking skills

11. COPING STRATEGIES
Be healthy
Be prepared
Practice…
practice…
Practice the
performance

12. COPING STRATEGIES CONT.
Regulate your arousal level
Deep breathing
Progressive muscle relaxation
Reduce distraction
Rituals

13. CONTROL THE FEAR
Positive self-talk
On-task self –talk
Gaining perspective

14. PULL IT ALL TOGETHER
Organize and order information
Create Outlines
Learn in a particular order
Make intentional associations

15. BUILD A HOUSE OF THOUGHT . . . . .
Foundation - Learn general concepts first
Frame - Fill in major details
Interior - Add in minor details
Check for defects – Review your work

16. KNOW YOUR LEARNING
STYLE
Visual Learning – must have visual
presentation of the information
Kinesthetic Learning – must be able to
move around while learning
Audio Learning – must hear information
presented

17. CALM DOWN
Relax!
Relax!!
Relax!!!