Stress often expresses itself as frustration and a underlying constant sense of urgency. Stress results from psychological and emotional response to certain events in a person’s life. Stress can result in a disruption of concentration, anxiety, physical illness, a tendency to rush to finish tests and assignments, an urge to escape and so on. Stress and test anxiety can show itself in irritability, carelessness, withdrawl or outburst, avoidance, fidgeting, complaints of fatigue, difficulties sleeping etc. There are a number of ways to avoid test anxiety and stress including encouraging positive attitudes, being well prepared (see study skills and time management sections), enjoying stress related activities ie. Music, yoga, deep breathing exercises etc. Providing the student with various supports as appropriate to the student will also help reduce the stress of the student. These supports might include a private room for test taking, longer time to respond to test questions, technology to read to the student and writing supports (if appropriate for specific students).
These strategies will encourage the student to prepare for tests in multiple ways and reduce the stress of test taking. Results of using strategies noted above include a more relaxed student, more attentive, successful and responsive to the educational experience. A well prepared student is a relaxed student who is ready to learn:)
