Students looking for ways to quell anxiety before midterm exams got tips to fight test anxiety from a Center for Counseling, Health and Wellness workshop.
Daniela Venosa, practicum therapist for the center, led the workshop in Coquina Hall on Oct. 13
“There are things you can do before, during, and after a test to reduce anxiety,” Venosa said.
She provided general tips for successful study techniques and gave examples of different ways to study with the VAK system: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Venosa said students could learn in all three of these ways. The sooner students discover which system works best for them, the sooner their test anxiety will improve.
“Get to know yourself,” Venosa said. “Pay attention to when, where and how you learn better.”
Preparation for exams is key. Venosa recommended students avoid getting psyched up when the test arrives.
Other tips included:
- Stay up-to-date with the course. This will prevent studying multiple chapters the night before, which can lead to being overwhelmed.
- Create a schedule and study in sections—one chapter today, another chapter tomorrow, and then whatever is left to review the night before the test.
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early on the day of the test. Allowing time to get comfortable in the testing space, along with a few deep breaths, will calm any nervous feelings.
- Briefly review the test once it is passed out and answer the easiest questions first, in order to manage time efficiently.
After receiving the graded test back, go over it to determine any weak areas and work on those first. Instead of giving up, take the time to understand the wrong answers and focus on that for the next test.
Kevon Bremmer, senior ISS major, found the workshop helpful.
“I get so anxious before and during tests, and breathing exercises really help me,” he said.
Photo illustration by Wendy Biddlecombe and Daniel Mutter
