so many bright students overcome test anxiety...

So many bright, determined, students have sat beside me during our first few tutoring sessions ready to approach their next test with a new perspective and invigorated start. Their eyes have glossed over during my list of questions concerning test taking: How do you feel when you are passed the review sheet? How do you study? Where? Do you study with a group or solo? Do you honestly feel you are well-prepared? How do you feel when the blank test is before you? Do you take your time or rush? Do you leave time to check over your answers? What are your median test scores? Then there are my “corny to teens” questions, like….Do you eat a good breakfast the day of the test? Do you have a light snack prior to the test- fruit or water? Do you meditate? Do you experience mental distractions/mind chatter during the test? What do you do with those thoughts? Mostly the aforementioned questions are met with a LOL. The fact is that all of these points matter a great deal, and many more. By the end of a few weeks, with persistence, following my advice, and hard work, THE SESSION occurs and often hits me off guard….the student walks in, makes eye contact with me and cannot fight back the beaming smile. She or he usually has the test in hand already and places it down in front of me….”Surprise!”

Although I could never make promises, I use this example to demonstrate that even though a student has a pattern of test taking, this does not mean it cannot be unlearned and re-taught. It takes work. It takes time. It takes trouble shooting, studying, trial and error, confidence boosting, studying, hand holding, and a solid connection. It will not happen overnight. But there are undoubtedly differences that begin to occur the first few weeks.

The angle that some students just do not take tests well cannot be the end. The entire early life is based on tests, at least until college graduation….unfortunately. If a student struggles with test taking, or anything else, the most effective long-term solution to benefit their self esteem and overall progress is to help them overcome the anxiety. It is a huge act of service to assist them toward being capable and independently so. They become peer mentors, helping other students with the same challenges once faced. Who better to facilitate growth beyond a challenge than someone else that has conquered that challenge? Cheers!