Question: My daughter is in the 10th grade and does poorly on tests. She always studies very hard so she blames "test anxiety" for her poor test grades. What is test anxiety and how can I help her?
Answer: Test anxiety is defined as a psychological condition in which a person experiences distress before, during, or after an assessment to such an extent that this anxiety causes poor performance or interferes with normal learning. This apparent issue may cause your daughter to perform at a level lower than her best. This inconsistency in her learning potential and performance can produce a level of emotional response and frustration. Fortunately, there are many strategies to help children who experience test anxiety. Your daughter needs to learn how to develop organized study habits. She should meet with her teachers before a test to review test expectations as they may be able to address the format of the test and what information will be included. She should also review past performance on tests to improve and learn from experience. She should approach an exam with confidence by using visualization, logic, talking to herself, journaling, etc. Preferential seating away from distracting noises is also important. She should choose a comfortable location for taking the test with good lighting and minimal distractions. Additionally, she should avoid speaking with any fellow students who have not prepared, who express negativity, and will distract her preparation. Most importantly, get a good night's sleep before an exam and don't go to the exam with an empty stomach.
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