Standardized testing can be a nightmare. Just the thought of such examinations can stress out even the best of students. And as a teacher, it is up to you to not only make sure your students do well on the exam but also that they don’t lose their minds before they even open their examination booklet. So what can you as a teacher do to help your students cope with the stress of standardized testing?
Not every student is comfortable with these types of examinations, whether it doesn’t suit their learning style or they have terrible test anxiety, it is up to you to help guide them. Even the smallest touches can help ease your students stress over examinations. Positive encouragement is the best place to start. Remind your students that these exams are not life and death; they should try their best but not be afraid.
Most everyone knows that a good night of sleep, a healthy breakfast, and strong preparation are vital for successful test taking. While you cannot help with the good night’s rest, you can have an effect on breakfast and preparation. Offer to bring in fruit for your students the day of the exam; even a small snack can help them concentrate through the test. Also, you can help them be prepared by knowing what is needed the day of the exam and making sure all students have everything before that day comes.
And no matter your opinion, even if you feel that standardized testing is not a fair or an unreliable assessment of student knowledge, never ever let your students hear you speak poorly about the exams. If they sense this in your attitude towards the test then that can instantly cause them to feel that the examination is unnecessary and will ultimately reflect back upon you. Either way, as of now, you and your students have to deal with taking these examinations so you may as well try to make the best of it.