subject: Top 8 Tips To Reduce Examination Anxiety [print this page] The majority of the students who take a test as part of their academic curriculum commonly face some sort of examination anxiety. In some children it becomes so intense that it shows an effect on their exams as well. Examination anxiety disturbs peoples concentration and makes it difficult for them to recall all that they have learnt. Even if the kid knows the material completely his/her performance would be poorer than that of the one who hasnt prepared well yet was able to control anxiety. Following the tips given below will help the kids in controlling their test anxiety to a certain extent.
Proper rest
Kids need to have proper sleep the night before the exam. Staying awake all night taking drugs or caffeine would show a negative effect during the exam. Kids feel tiredness, distraction and irritation during the exam.
Food
Never skip the breakfast. Kids need to take moderate breakfast and at the same time avoid drinking caffeine drinks.
Contagious panic
If any fellow students suffer from examination anxiety, kids need to stay away from them. Panic being contagious, kids easily get tensed as they see other students suffering. In addition, kids need to make sure to reach the examination hall at least a few minutes ahead of the test. This would help them familiarize themselves with the surroundings which would help them control anxiety.
Plan appropriately
Time management is one crucial factor that helps kids to get over examination anxiety. Kids need to estimate the time required for each question and decide time appropriately. Kids are always instructed to answer the easiest questions first as this would boost up their confidence levels to answer the more difficult questions afterwards. Dwelling on the same question would waste time and makes it difficult to answer other questions with confidence.
Proper outline
Before penning all down, kids need to make a brief outline for answering particular questions. This would help them to present the answer in the right and organized manner. On the other hand, this reduces the chances of forgetting crucial points as well.
Single test and future
Never connect future with tests. When kids start considering a single test as their futures decider, it increases their examination anxiety. A single test cannot affect their future that much. One exam does not determine your whole life. Kids need to remain calm and controlled during the exam.
Find the root cause
Kids will be able to fight examination anxiety only if they find the root cause for the anxiety. Kids need to think of reason behind their increasing tension. Some thoughts usually make kids emotional, self defeating and negative. Uprooting such thoughts is the only way to fight test tension.
Relaxation techniques
If examination anxiety takes over, kids need to practice relaxation techniques. Taking long deep breath and letting it out slowly would provide great relaxation. They need to concentrate on their breath while doing so. This would help them in fighting test anxiety and gain great scores on the test.
