5 Strategies to Reduce Math Test Anxiety

Math test anxiety is a common phenomenon among students. It is a fear response which has been learned and leads to negative consequences when the student takes a math test. A more serious stage is when the student is even dreadful of undertaking tasks related to numbers. Although studies have proven that a certain level of stress can be beneficial during tests, too much anxiety always results in poor grades. Math test anxiety affects the student in such a way that the latter cannot concentrate due to worrisome thoughts. This makes it hard for the person to even recall whatever he has learned. Fortunately, there are some proven strategies which work to reduce math test anxiety.

1. Personalize a strategy for taking test

A simple test taking strategy is skipping a question if you do not know the answer and moving on to the next one. You then come back to that particular question later. It may sound simple and may be assumed to be common knowledge, but some students actually do not know about this strategy. The moment they are stuck at a question, they start panicking and do not know what to do next. It is, therefore, important to have a certain strategy for test taking. A good way to find yours is to research about proven strategies and see which one works best for you by trying them out.

2. Adopt a relaxation technique

Adults tend to be more comfortable with practicing relaxation techniques than younger children or teens. For instance, it can be hard to get children to practice deep breathing. Getting them to perform progressive muscle relaxation can be equally hard. However, these techniques can help you reduce stress. Even if they do not completely reduce the pressure, they will definitely prevent you from getting overwhelmed.

3. Write everything on a separate paper

Many students suffer from anxiety merely by thinking about the concepts, definitions or formulae they might forget during the test. One effective way to tackle this anxiety is to write all these things on a paper. This should be done right before you start answering the test questions. You should only focus on the things you might really forget when you are busy working; otherwise you will end up wasting too much precious time.

4. Practice as much as possible

When you are good at math, you might be a little nervous for tests, but you definitely will not suffer from anxiety. The only way to get good, however, is to practice as much as possible. Work as many questions and problems as required until you have understood the concept. Practicing the same concept until you are absolutely sure you are fluent at getting the right solutions is the only way out. This will boost your confidence when taking tests

5. Teach a classmate before the test

William Glasser’s findings of memorizing and understanding concepts prove that teaching someone else is the best way to get better. After all, you remember 95% of what you teach someone, but only 10% of what you read and only 30% of what you see. So, you should try explaining math concepts to a classmate before the test. If you can do that successfully, you will be confident to do it on paper as well.

Your Math Test

There are a few relaxation and test taking strategies which can greatly help with math test anxiety. However, the best way is to prepare for the test in advance. By practicing many problems, explaining concepts to other people and regularly revising your lessons, you build up the confidence to take the test. This confidence is an essential ingredient to test success.

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