This chapter outlines the concept of test anxiety and its impact on performance, manners in which to diagnose and provide accommodations for the disability, and many means by which to reduce the impact of test anxiety. Overall, it bears repeating that although the concept of test anxiety is relatively simple, understanding how it affects a given…

An evaluation of a test-retest policy, which was designed to give students a second chance at each exam in introductory psychology courses, showed that it reduced the test anxiety of approximately 80 percent of the students. Students' scores also improved on retests. (RM)

Lists seven common student fears about classroom tests and suggests ways that teachers may help alleviate them. (SJL)

An experiment used relaxation training and other Gestalt techniques to reduce test anxiety in university students. Results of self-reports and an anxiety inventory show a significant difference in anxiety between the experimental group (n=27) and control group (n=11), suggesting the techniques are effective. (Author/MSE)

This paper describes the PEACEful assessment process for testing anxious gifted children. Steps include: (1) Preparing the test setting; (2) Encouraging the child's exploration; (3) Acclimating the child to the testing process; (4) Conducting calm and unhurried assessments; and (5) Evaluating and adapting interactions with the child. A case study…

From a survey of 1,000 high school students, the following science anxieties were found: (1) danger anxiety, (2) test anxiety, (3) math and problem-solving anxiety, (4) squeamish anxiety, (5) performance anxiety, and (6) classroom anxiety. (PR)

Briefly discusses current views of the way anxiety decreases students' learning from instructional software and describes ways software designers might compensate for the learning problems of anxious students. (MBR)

Principals should urge teachers to teach students the five basic principles of test taking. This can improve student scores on standardized tests. (MD)

This article provides suggestions for treating test anxiety by training students in stress management strategies. Detailed instructions for teaching deep muscle relaxation are provided, followed by an introduction to Wolpe's (1958) technique of systematic desensitization, which features identification of a hierarchy of anxiety-producing situations…

A study was conducted to determine whether participation in a test-taking strategy seminar significantly decreased test anxiety in first-year nursing students. The study also sought to compare nursing test scores of first-year nursing students who participated in the seminar with those who did not. The sample consisted of 30 first-year nursing…

This guide provides an outline of the information and techniques covered on an audiotape developed to help students lower their test anxiety. First, a rationale for the development of the test anxiety materials is provided and the use of these materials at Lane Community College is discussed. Next, a detailed outline of the material is provided,…

This study attempted to determine if test anxiety is manifested in pre-medical students as a result of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and if Beta-endorphin similarly responds to that type of situational stress. Seventeen participants completed the Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI) by Spielberger et al. (1980) and donated 30 ml of blood for…

Teachers and clinicians can help ease the anxiety of mildly- to moderately-handicapped three- to five-year-olds and their parents during educational assessment by: careful planning and preparation before testing; gathering all testing materials before screening; talking with parents; understanding children's feelings of restlessness and anxiety;…

Assessment via tests and examinations may be viewed as burdensome, coercive, and irrelevant by gifted students. Teachers can help students overcome negative attitudes toward assessment by: assessing students' best (as opposed to typical) efforts; involving students in planning and developing the assessment program; and providing specific,…

The guide was developed by the Health Careers Opportunity Program, the principal Federal program focused on increasing the numbers of disadvantaged individuals who train for and enter the health professions. The guide is intended to help institutional grantees working with such students in the areas of: (1) diagnostic testing in cognitive and…