Competency-based education (CBE) is widely viewed as an innovative alternative to traditional higher education, yet most programs serve only a narrow slice of the postsecondary population. Few are intended for adults who need to boost basic skills in order to succeed in college coursework. However, if designed with the needs of a broader range of…

This guide is designed to assist States, agencies, and/or facilities who work with youth who are neglected, delinquent, or at-risk (N or D). The information in the guide will benefit those who are (a) interested in implementing pre-posttests, (b) in the process of identifying an appropriate pre-posttest, or (c) ready to evaluate current testing…

The purpose of this study was to reduce the negative effects that self-perceived levels of test anxiety have on third-grade students. The participants in this study consisted of 177 third-grade students at two Midwestern public elementary schools. Students at one school were taught relaxation techniques, while students at the second school served…

Research suggests that between 25% to 40% of students experience test anxiety, with students with disabilities and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds having higher prevalence rates. Since test anxiety impacts student well-being and the validity of the important educational decisions based on testing data, this article…

This study investigated whether participating in a 3D immersive virtual reality world simulating the experience of test-anxiety would affect preservice teachers' awareness to the phenomenon. Ninety subjects participated in this study, and were divided into three groups. The experimental group experienced a 3D immersive simulation which made…

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)

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)

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)

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…

The passage of "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) legislation has led to an increased awareness of testing and assessment in public school systems and its impact. A cursory review of the academic literature and national news sources on the impact of standardized testing revealed a plethora of anecdotal cases of students experiencing illness,…

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,…

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,…

Ways in which teachers can help students face situations that make them tense, anxious, or fearful are suggested, including self-affirmation, relaxation techniques, problem solving, and role playing. (CB)

There are many connections between good test taking practices and good general learning practices. This article offers strategies related to reading and math instruction and testing. It also describes how to teach students the fundamentals of standardized tests. Tips for reducing test stress are provided. (SM)