by Kathleen M. Muldoon
My heart pounded. My stomach twisted and lurched. I glanced at the clock and then at the teacher who graded papers while keeping an eye on his stopwatch. By my calculations, I had about 13 minutes to answer the 30 remaining questions on the social studies portion of the statemandated test I had to pass in order to graduate high school with my class. I still remember the question hanging me up:
The reform efforts of Susan B. Anthony contributed to:
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A. establishment of mental health hospitals
B. establishment of settlement houses
C. passage of a women’s suffrage amendment
D. amendment to end child labor
“C,” I shouted to myself. I’d read about Susan B. Anthony. I’d written a paper about her. But I wondered if this was a trick question-did Susan B. Anthony do any of those other things? The more the clock ticked away, the more I panicked.
Somehow I managed to pass the test despite suffering from what I now know is a condition called “test anxiety.” I also know that I’m of average intelligence and I love to learn. But put a test in front of me, and my brain turns to mush. Every bit of knowledge once stored there makes a temporary getaway, leaving me with nothing but doubts, nervousness, and an acid stomach. I totally zone out.
I’m sure that many of you suffer from test anxiety too. Psychologists claim this is due to our bodies anticipating something stressful. When we’re under stress, we produce a chemical, a hormone called “adrenaline,” to prepare our bodies for danger. Adrenaline causes physical symptoms-we sweat, our hearts pound, and we breathe as if we are running a marathon. Sometimes, just paying attention to those symptoms makes us even more anxious! What if I faint? What if I throw up? Yikes, things go from bad to worse.
My boyfriend during that time, Tommy, laughed at my fears. He sailed through tests with no anxiety at all, and usually he earned the highest grades. He claimed that when he didn’t know an answer, he just followed the “C, B, D, A” system-answering “C” for the first one he didn’t know, “B” for the next, and so forth. Somehow that didn’t seem like the right fix for my ailment.
Is there a cure for test anxiety? I wanted to find out before I went to college, where I knew I would have to pass even more tests. I found that researchers have written papers and even books on how to overcome fear of taking tests. I tried lots of their ideas, and while I probably would still get that sinking feeling if I had to take a test today, I did discover ways to feel more in control when taking a test. Let me share my top three test anxiety reducers:
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• Be prepared. Listening in class, studying regularly (rather than cramming), and reading carefully helped me in all my subjects when I got to college.
• Expect to do well. If I tell myself I won’t do well, I don’t do well. When I tell myself I’m as prepared as I can be and that I’m going to use that adrenaline to increase my brain power, I succeed.
• Accept mistakes. I found that this was difficult for me because I wanted perfection, but never attained it. Reminding myself that EVERYONE makes mistakes does not eliminate mine, but it sure reduces them.
School has started. You will have tests no matter what grade you’re in or what school you attend. It’s time for some preventive medicine for test anxiety. I know you can overcome! If you have your own prescription for this malady, please share it with Action readers. E-mail it to action@unitedspinal.org or mail it to:
KIDS IN ACTION
United Spinal Association
75-20 Astoria Boulevard
Jackson Heights, NY 11370-1177
In the meantime, take a deep breath, harness that adrenaline, and delve into the wonderful world of knowledge.
Kathleen M. Muldoon is a children’s book author and writing instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature. She lives in San Antonio, Texas.
HEY, KIDS!
What do you do to cure yourself of test anxiety?
Be among the first 50 to send us your cures to Kids in Action and get a Back to School kit with:
- A United Spinal pen
- A United Spinal mood pencil
- A United Spinal ruler
- A United Spinal notepad
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- And a chance to have your words or artwork in Action!
Tell us or show us what you do when you take a test-or tell us what you did over the summer-then E-mail it to action@unitedspinal.org or mail it to:
KIDS IN ACTION
United Spinal Association
75-20 Astoria Boulevard
Jackson Heights, NY 11370-1177Tell us your age and what grade you are in, and be sure to include an address where we can send your kit!
