Test Anxiety Interventions

Student Interventions

Physiological Interventions Study during peek energy levels Get plenty of rest Get enough exercise Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing Recognize the stages of anxiety

Behavioral Interventions Prior to Assessment Learn good study habits Reward yourself Use methods to better memorize the content

Behavioral Interventions During the Assessment Practice relaxation techniques Ask questions if you do not understand something Perform a “brain dump” Listen carefully to directions Preview the test Use different techniques for multiple choice and essay questions

Psychological Interventions Be conscious of: Need to please, need to be perfect, need to be in control Positive attitude Be wary of negative racial and gender stereotypes Remember past successes and how they were achieved Teacher Interventions

Psychological Interventions Cognitive Therapy Densensitization Self-Talk

Physiological Interventions Teach relaxation training (deep breaths, visualization, relaxing muscles) Recognize the symptoms of anxiety Manage it before it becomes problematic Give tests during peek energy levels

Behavioral Interventions- Teach students how to: How to budget time Do easier questions first Do higher value questions first

Instructional Interventions open-notes open-book tests practice questions for study multiple choice instead of short answer essay use of dictionary/calculator provision of copy of the test for study Additional Strategies: Take home tests Tests in small groups Short quizzes and practice test questions Oral responses Use of computer Tests that cover less material Individual help with instructions during the test

Use these 5 steps: Ascertainment of test-anxiety Formative Factors Habitual Prudence Purposeful Learning Experiences Test-Wise Guidelines Parent Interventions

Behavioral and Psychological Interventions Eliminate sugar and stimulants from diet Encourage regular exercise Schedule in down time Do not overemphasize perfectionism from your child Help your child avoid the need to always please or be in control

Academic Interventions Set regular homework time Provide Necessary Supplies Provide quiet place to study Model good examples by reading and writing Understand and respect your child’s way of learning Stay in touch with teachers Model good decision making Monitor homework leading up to a test

School Wide Interventions

Get school community members on board! Conduct a needs assessment Provide workshops and resources for teachers Highly anxious students should see the counselor or psychologist Provide for students’ nutritional needs if necessary Give positive reinforcement to parents and students