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Coping with Test Anxiety

Before the exam the student can do several things:

• Be thoroughly prepared. A confident knowledge of the course material is the first step in reducing test anxiety.
• Review should be spaced throughout the week. This aids memory development and retention.
• Don’t cram. A final review is fine, but trying to cover two months of material in two hours is not an effective way to prepare for an exam. Begin your review process early to help reduce last minute anxiety.
• Arrive at exam location early. Relax, and don’t talk about the test with friends; frantic reviews are often more confusing than helpful.

During the exam, be test wise and have a plan for taking the exam.

• Some initial tension is normal, generally, when you receive the test, stop for a moment, take a few deep breaths and exhale slowly, and then start reviewing directions and test items.
• In a timed test make a schedule for answering questions. Allow more time for higher point questions. Pace yourself to answer as many questions as possible.
• Don’t spend too much time on any one question. If you can’t come up with the answer, quickly move on.
• You can always come back if you have time. Higher scores will usually result from trying all items.
• If you get stumped on a question, move on to questions you can answer. This will get your mental process and concentration ready for more difficult questions.

How can Parents help their children succeed in High School?

1. Even though their children are in high school, it continues to be important for parents to be aware of how things are going at school. Most students need encouragement to be successful. Keeping this in mind, here are several strategies that might be useful: Put a copy of your child’s timetable on your fridge. Daily attendance is key to success. The school (Synervoice) will phone your home if your child has missed a class. Parents (who are registered) may access attendance information online through PowerSchool. If there are concerns, parents should contact the school.

2. Get a daily planner and ask to see the daily planner as well as encourage its use. The student should record the dates of exams and assignment due dates in the planner. Write the important school dates in the agenda (exams, etc.)

3. High school students should have school work every night. Depending on the student and the courses, the amount of homework may vary. Homework might include preparation for exams, completion of assignments or projects, review of the day’s lessons, organizing notes, or reading. Daily homework encourages a student to be organized and responsible, and to avoid the stress associated with being disorganized and unprepared.

4. Provide your child with a quiet, comfortable workspace with few distractions. Homework and study are work and should be treated as such.

5. Establish a study routine and stick to it.

6. If there are concerns, contact individual teachers as soon as possible through email or contacting the school.

7. Encourage involvement in school-related events and activities. Students who are part of the culture of a school generally have greater academic success.

8. Be aware of the amount of time your child spends at a part-time job. Students, in most cases, should not be working more than 15 hours a week and should not be working late into the evening. Watch out and advocate for your child if employers are putting unreasonable pressure on them.

9. Be vigilant about monitoring computer activity, phone time and watching TV. Stress the importance of balance in a healthy productive life.

10. Insure that your teen gets enough sleep. Research indicates that this age group needs over 9 hours of sleep per night in order to be alert.

Studying and Learning Resources

LCHS Student Services can provide students with strategies and tips to assist in learning, concentrating and studying. Check out some of these additional online resources to make the most of your study time:

https://alis.alberta.ca/explore-education-and-training/what-s-your-learning-style/

https://alis.alberta.ca/explore-education-and-training/how-to-study-effectively/