Page 239 - Keys to College Success

Use these strategies to build a positive
KEY 8.2
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. Focusing on partners. Find people
how the test will help Ways to build who inspire you to do
you reach your long-term a positive attitude your best and don’t
goals will help you calm trigger negativity or
down. anxiety in you.

Engage your
Understand that tests instructors’ help. Your
measure performance, instructors want you to
not personal value. succeed, no matter how
Grades don’t reflect your challenging the tests they
ability to succeed or your give you. Contact them
self-worth. for help and advice as
you are preparing.
8
CHAPTER

talk risk and reward . . .

Risk asking tough questions to be rewarded with new insights. Use the following ques-
tions 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: Do you have any personal factors that cause anxiety, as Suzanne
did when she struggled with stuttering? Do you have any situational factors, such as
Suzanne’s first time reporting on camera? What risks can you take to manage these factors
in a way that brings rewards?

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