Helpful Resources for Navigating Test Anxiety

School is underway, and students are already preparing for their first quizzes and tests of the academic year. Many students experience anxiety and apprehension around test taking and staying focused for exams. TVT is sharing guidance and resources to navigate this challenge and help alleviate those butterflies!

Understanding Test Anxiety
Research shows that test anxiety impairs a student’s ability to recall and concentrate during testing situations, leading to lower performance. According to Understood, test anxiety can appear in different ways and at unexpected times. Common signs of test anxiety include: 

• Avoiding or refusing to study
• Asking to stay home from school
• Complaining about stomach aches and headaches, especially on test days
• Talking endlessly about an upcoming test
• Saying personally negative statements
• Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
  
  

Below are helpful strategies and tips to help navigate test anxiety, and ensure students feel heard and supported. 

Strategies for Support
According to the Academic Resource Center (ARC) at Harvard University, test anxiety can appear before, during, or after an exam. Here are suggestions for managing test anxiety during these phases: 

Before

• Adding test dates to personal calendars
• Beginning studying early
• Taking practice tests
• Asking the teacher for extra help and attending review sessions
  
  

During

• Visualizing a successful outcome
• Practicing mindful breathing
• Reciting positive academic affirmations in your head (check out the podcasts listed below!)
  
  

After

• Identifying and focus on what is in your control
• Seeking additional feedback from your teacher
• Scheduling a positive activity to look forward to after the test (even as simple as going out for ice cream or meeting up with a friend at the park!)
  
  

Additionally, our TVT team has found that accuracy of studying materials is critical for student success. Helpful tips for ensuring accurate study materials include: 

• Careful note taking
• Asking the teacher to review notes periodically to make sure the information is accurate
• Trying additional practice problems prior to the test and showing the teacher your answers to make sure all steps are accurate
  
  

Helpful Resources
Our team has found several podcasts to consider for additional support when learning about test anxiety. These include: 

• Meditation for Test Taking
• Best Mindfulness Podcasts for Kids by Common Sense Media
• Charm Words

Additional articles that we found helpful are below:

• Intelligent - Use Test-Taking Strategies on Exam Day
• Understood - How to Help Your Child Cope with Test Anxiety

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We would love to support your students of all ages as they navigate and manage test anxiety in their academic work and test prep. Check out our full list of services and reach out to discuss a custom tutoring plan for your student.