Demand for STEM majors is increasing, yet attrition in STEM classes is common. Exam wrappers and asking students to write on test anxiety have both been shown to be somewhat successful as simple interventions. This study examined the impact of exam wrappers (termed a post-exam wrapper) that specifically included a multiple-choice question about…

Faculty engage in "pedagogical solitude," in which they plan, teach, and assess their work alone. To optimize teaching environments and learning outcomes, students can serve as "student pedagogical teams" (SPT) and provide feedback on instructor performance, course structure, and content. Using self-determination theory, this…

Student learning is greatly enhanced by studying prior to an exam. Allowing students to prepare a cheat sheet for the exam helps structure this study time and deepens learning. The crib sheet is well defined: one double-sided page of notes. An award for the best and most creative cheat sheet allows the instructor to appreciate the students'…

A good review session should prepare students for an exam: (1) academically, through a planned, comprehensive approach to the material; (2) physically, by encouraging them to relax; and (3) emotionally, because of the reassurance and perspective provided by the instructor. (MLW)

Summarizes research related to humor in testing and presents new evidence on the effectiveness of humor in constructed-response items. Findings from a survey at Johns Hopkins University's School of Nursing indicated that students feel that humor makes a difference in their test performance. Describes specific strategies for using humor in tests.…

The use of one specific ego-enhancing hypnotic approach, a technique that employs a conditioned "trigger," the clenched fist, to facilitate the changing of troublesome emotional states, is described. Forty first-year university students were the subjects of the study. (MLW)

A study of the comparability of results of two techniques of testing, the traditional approach and that of giving the students the questions before the examination, revealed little difference in the two approaches' results, and supports the use of "prior notice" to reduce test anxiety. (MSE)

Results of a study of test anxiety among community college students are reported, and their implications for intervention are discussed. It is suggested that evaluation anxiety be reduced by reducing emotional arousal, modifying the learning environment, developing a cognitive task orientation, and involving the college staff in cooperating for…

Reports an experiment in collaborative essay testing in a college course, finding some improvement in achievement, significant reduction in test anxiety, and student engagement in reflective thinking similar to metacognition. In addition, partners generally participated equally in test preparation and content. Suggestions are made for implementing…

Research suggests several types of test-anxious students. Techniques for lessening anxiety include teaching metacognitive and learning strategies, using cooperative learning activities, and creating a nonthreatening environment. A survey of 102 developmental reading college students indicated that teacher behavior during testing and pretest review…

Returning tests following an examination is often a difficult task for the instructor, particularly in courses that are perceived by students as anxiety producing. The purpose of this article is to offer suggestions for designing this class session so that students view it as a positive part of the learning process. The four phases suggested for…