Page 237 - Keys To Community College Success

KEY 8.2 Use these strategies to build a positive
attitude.

Take care of yourself.
See tests as The better your physical
opportunities to learn. health, the more able
Think of tests as you will be to think
signposts along the way positively. Exercise, sleep,
to mastering material. and good nutrition all
combat anxiety.

Remind yourself of Seek positive study
your goals. partners.
Focusing on how the test Ways to build Find people who inspire
will help you reach your a positive attitude you to do your best and
long-term goals will help don’t trigger negativity
you calm down. or anxiety in you.

Engage your
Understand that tests instructors’ help.
measure performance, Your instructors want you
not personal value. to succeed, no matter
Grades don’t reflect your how challenging the tests
ability to succeed or your they give you. Contact
self-worth. them for help and advice
as you are preparing.

Test Taking

talk risk and reward . . .

Risk asking tough questions to be rewarded with new insights. Use the following questions
to inspire discussion with classmates, either in person or online.
■ What did you learn about yourself from the test anxiety questionnaire? If you
experience test anxiety, what effect do you think it will have on your future?
■ Which suggestions for reducing test anxiety are you likely to use? How do you
think they will help you feel more comfortable at test time? What other risks,
however small, might reward you with better test performance?
CONSIDER THE CASE: The test that Jay faced was one of life or death. What in Jay’s life
before that time, do you think, prepared him to face this test? Talk about the greatest test
life has given you so far. How did you handle it? What risk did you take that can inform
how you can aim for rewards at test time?

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