6 Tips for Test Anxiety

Today we had a test over dividing decimals in our 5th Grade Classroom. As usual, the students felt nervous before the test. However, with these steps, their worries were relieved very quickly. I don’t know about you, but just in 4 years of teaching, I have observed a massive increase in test anxiety for students. This is becoming an increasing problem in classrooms throughout the country. What can we do as educators to relieve this pressure and anxiety to help our students find success on Test Day?

What is Test Anxiety?

The University of North Carolina states, “Test anxiety is a combination of physical symptoms and emotional reactions that interfere with your ability to perform well on tests.” Test anxiety will take on a variety of shapes and forms depending on the student. Some physical symptoms may include headaches, shortness of breath, nausea, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, and lightheadedness. While emotional symptoms may appear as feelings of stress, fear, helplessness, negative thoughts, mind going blank, and racing thoughts.

As a teacher, you may or may not be able to observe these physical and/or emotional signs in your students. Some behavioral indicators of test anxiety may include things like negative comments or actions, outward comparisons to others, high understanding during class, but low scores on tests, and procrastinating.

If you see one or more of these symptoms or indicators in your students, it is important to check in with them and look for ways to decrease stress, worry, etc. Here are 5 five ways I have found that have helped my students on test day.

6 Easy Tips for Test Anxiety

1. Provide ample time to study for a test.

Allowing one day of study time between the end of a unit and a test day may not be enough for all students. Many of us have students who are involved in extra-curricular activities such as sports, drama, music, etc. Giving students more time to study may help. Of course, there comes a point when it would be too much time that it becomes unhelpful. However, an extra day or two or a weekend could be just what a student needs to have more time. Additionally, providing a study guide towards the beginning of a unit could help a student plan ahead and study as they go.

2. Provide mutliple ways to study for tests.

While allowing enough time to study is vitally important, equally important is providing students with a wide variety of ways to study. Some students remember by practicing it, while others recall by seeing the concept, and still others by hearing the topic repeated. I usually provide a Quizlet, Kahoot, review game, study guides, and time to review with a partner. The older the student, the more you can teach them how to create their own method of studying based on what they have found works best for them.

3. Do not set time limits for tests.

Students do not need time limits for their tests. I would much rather have slow, quality work than rushed, sloppy work. I have noticed the faster students go on a test, the more they make silly errors. Furthermore, students may start to worry if they know or feel as though they are running out of time. I tell my students they may have as long as they need to show me what they know from the unit.

4. Use “offices” to prevent comparisons and distractions.

I always have my students use Privacy Shields, or what I like to call, “offices” during tests. These are amazing! No more cheating or worrying about cheating. No more looking around to see who is done and who is not. I have my students leave these up even after they are finished with their tests. By doing so, it removes the pressure from students to be the first or last one done with their assessment. I always remind my students that it is not a race! I personally have these privacy shields from Really Good Stuff, but there are many different options out there!

5. “Smarties to make you Smart!”

I think it goes without saying that this is by far my students’ favorite part about test day. I actually remember this idea from my own 5th-grade teacher who always did this with my class. The students make sure to remind me to pass them out if I forget. I reserve smarties only for test days. This keeps test days more special than other days. I pass out the tests, explain instructions, and then pass out the smarties as they begin their test. I have actually had multiple parents tell me throughout the years that their child thinks they do a little better on the test because of the smarties. I guarantee you, regardless of age, Smarties will relieve some of the tension that test day can bring.

6. Allow students the freedom to choose ways to relax throughout their test.

Ultimately, I want my students to take comfort in the fact that test day is really just a “Celebration of Learning” as my college professor once called it. We are simply celebrating all that they have learned in the unit by them showing me what they have worked so hard to learn! If a student needs to use the restroom, let them! If a student has a question, make sure they are on the right track. If a student feels more comfortable with headphones in to play music or just blockout sound, maybe that is something you can allow. Chewing gum during a test? Sure! (as long as the smacking isn’t a hindrance to those around them!). These are just a few ideas of how you can loosen up and lighten up test day for your students.

Celebration of Learning!

Hopefully you can take away at least one practical tip to implement before or during your class’ next test! Make test day as fun and exciting as you can! Celebrate your students’ successes and work to calm their fears.

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