NR103 Week 4 ATI TEST TAKING SKILLS NOTES

Preparing for Exams: Steps for Successful Test-Taking

Why Are Exams So Difficult?

• Complex information
• Short periods of time
• Overwhelming
• Anxiety

Test Anxiety

• Decreasing anxiety - good preparation, test-taking skills
• Assessing non-academic areas
• Anxiety can hurt performance
• Proper tools can counter nerves
• Different times, different ways
• Weeks before test
• Night prior to test
• Draw a blank during test
• Decrease anxiety
• Eat well
• Sleep well

Test Anxiety: Fear of Performing Poorly on Tests

• Nearly 10M struggle
• Higher anxiety = lower performance
• Impairs problem solving
• Limits brain’s ability to recall material

The following strategies may help curb anxiety during a test:

• Breathe.
• Relax.
• Visualize.
• Be positive.
• Write down memorized information.
• Answer simple questions first.
• Don’t get discouraged.

Test Time

• You must understand what the question is asking.