EXAM ANXIETY
The exam stress experienced by almost every young student has recently become a nightmare not only for young people but also for primary and secondary school students.
Family and environmental pressure is the primary cause of this stress experienced by the student. Examples of peer pressure are teachers, friends, relatives, that perfect and perfect neighbor’s son or neighbor’s daughter. Worrying about his own future, the young person, as if he has no problems, and if he cannot pass the exam, he will make statements to his surroundings, disgrace to his family, embarrassment in front of his friends, and fear of being crushed by the neighbor’s child. This stress isolates most young people from the social environment and causes the individual to withdraw into himself.
Test anxiety is a subset of what is commonly called examination anxiety. It is the dysfunctional anxiety experienced when one’s knowledge and skills are examined and evaluated with certain criteria.
Exam anxiety is an intense anxiety that prevents the effective use of the learned information during the exam and leads to a decrease in success.
It is impossible to be carefree. Anxiety is also a good thing and necessary to a certain extent. Stress at the acceptable limit; It is the reason for the dynamism and development necessary for success. It provides motivation and orientation towards the goal. It is a stimulating power, and it increases one’s efficiency, it is an expected feeling, it is necessary and adaptive, and it also motivates to prepare for the exam.
If the anxiety is disproportionate to the situation;
It’s annoying, it’s unsettling. It is not helpful and motivating. It reduces the confidence in the knowledge level of the person during the exam. It hinders the preparation for the exam by disrupting the decision-making process.
So how can we deal with test anxiety?
First of all, REMEMBER that the person you are competing with is yourself! Try to make the most of 195 or 120 minutes.
Focus on the exam time and the questions to get the most out of your performance, not the outcome of the exam.
Focus your attention on your own exam booklet, questions and answer sheet, not on other candidates, any noise and/or noise in the environment.
What should be done before the exam?
Try to create a new mental structure by reviewing study habits and attitudes towards the exam. Time should be used well. Pay attention to nutrition and sleep. It is important not to leave the studies for the exam until the last day/night.
What can be done during the exam?
Bring alternative explanations for negative automatic thoughts, remember that you are in control. Start with questions you can answer, using techniques to reduce anxiety (quick relaxation, attention-boosting techniques, controlled breathing practice) are some exercises that can be done during the exam.
What can be done after the exam?
It is advisable to go the way of self-reward. Pleasure activities, thinking about the deficiencies and new planning for the future are among the activities that can be done.
