So you have a big test coming up and you’re super stressed about it. Other than knowing the material, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of doing well on the test. By using educational psychology, you can ensure you study effectively, manage anxiety, and better retain material for your test.
Here are our top ten strategies.
- Study in advance: If you are cramming, then you are learning material with a side order of anxiety- not an opportune time to add this in. Schedule out your tests and ensure that you study a little at a time leading up to the test. Instead of cramming, write important information on one paper while you are studying and review that one sheet right before your test. That way the material will be fresh in your mind.
- Reward yourself after studying: After several hours of studying, your brain will certainly need a break. Head outside for a walk in the fresh air or go to lunch with a friend. This will help you to avoid burnout and you can even use it as a reward to keep yourself from being distracted while you’re studying.
- Have a good attitude about your test: Even if you are dreading your test, try to remain positive. Positive thoughts will make it easier to learn and keep stress down. Put things in perspective if you need to. Think of all the tests you’ve taken before and how many you will take in the future and remind yourself that this is just another test. Look at what the worst-case scenario is. You may be stressing over a test that won’t have much bearing on your final grade.
- Take a different route to your test location: By doing this, you will wake your brain up. You’ll start seeing things a little differently. Map out an interesting way to the testing center and try to take in your new surroundings. Allow yourself plenty of time to get there about 10 minutes early. Being late will only add to your stress and in some cases, you won’t even be allowed to take the test.
- Review the test as soon as you get it: This way you are mentally prepared for what is coming up. You don’t have to read each and every question, but glance through the sections so you know what to expect. You don’t want to spend all of your time on multiple choice and discover an essay question at the end.
- Underline important words in the instructions and questions: This will help keep you focused on exactly what the instructor wants on the test or in the answer. This is very important when it comes to essay questions. Are you supposed to list, compare, contrast, justify, or define?
- Answer the question in your head before reading the available answers: If you are sure about one answer, you won’t be swayed into other answers meant to throw you off.
- Don’t get stuck on a question: If you read the question and can’t come up with an answer within a few minutes, skip it and go to the next question. Obsessing about one question on the test will distract you the rest of the way through the test. You can come back to skipped questions once you answer all the other questions.
- Notice what your body is doing: If you find yourself slumped over and tense, take a few seconds to sit up straight, open your chest, stretch and relax your legs. Simply turning your wrists up on the desk for a few minutes can do wonders to get your refocused.
- Take your time answering the questions: Take your time answering the questions, but once they are answered, move on. Spending too much time reviewing a test can convince you to talk yourself out of correct answers. If you feel good about your test, don’t hesitate to turn it in, even if time isn’t up yet.