Addressing Student Anxieties about Tests and

Quizzes

Ideas from Tools for Teaching, 2nd Edition

Facilitated by Debra Gibes and Parmis Johnson, Department of Reading, Humanities Division

Take a Test and Find out.

Do You Have test Anxiety?

What are some common complaints students have about tests?

Tests are too difficult. They do not match the content of the

lectures or homework. They are unclear or poorly written. The test format came as a surprise. They cannot be finished in the time

frame provided.

Typical Test Complaints (Havita, 2000)

How can tests be designed to alleviate anxiety?

Make the first test relatively easy. (Lucas, 1990)

Take the test yourself and allow students triple the time.

Include a variety of testing formats to allow for varied demonstration of knowledge.

Preparing the Test

For multiple choice questions, give students the opportunity to support their answers (Wallace and Williams, 2003)

For multiple choice questions, allow students to select two answers for partial credit. (DiBattista, 2004)

Allow Crib Sheets for consulting during the exam. (Dickson and Miller, 2005)

Include one or more extra credit questions.

“Alternative” Test Administration Options

What are some ways to allay test anxiety before the exam?

Give students advice on how to study. (Roediger and Karpicke, 2006)

Provide a sample final exam at the beginning of the course.

Help students to form study groups. (Millis and Cottell, 1998)

Let students know about campus resources.

Beginning of the Semester

Give frequent quizzes as built in reviews in the format of the test. (Chapell et al, 2005)

Encourage students to monitor their own learning. (Koriat and Bjork, 2006)

Provide test taking tips and ask students to share their tips.

Use humor to maximize learning outcomes. (Hackathorn, 2011)

Throughout the Semester

What are some ways to alleviate test anxiety during the exam?

Read instructions out loud and answer students’ questions about the instructions.

Keep students apprised of the time during the test.

Remind students to utilize relaxation devices such as deep breathing or positive self-talk.

During the Test

What are some ways to allay test anxiety after the exam?

Return tests promptly. (Lowman, 1995) Use class time to review the answers

with students. Give students opportunities for self-

reflection. (Kher et al., 2002) Ask students to complete an

anonymous evaluation of the exam. Encourage students to celebrate

mistakes.

After the Test

Double weight a make-up exam. (McKeachie and Svinicki, 2006)

Alleviate the need for a make-up exam by dropping the lowest test score. (McKeachie and Svinicki, 2006)

Let students correct their incorrect answers for an additional set of points. (Deeter, 2003)

Give entire class an extra test at the end of the semester to replace a low or make-up test. (Shea, 1995)

Make-up and Retake Options

Study Guides? Multiple Attempts?