My daughter Ainsley is in 3rd grade. Here in Florida that means it’s day 2 of FCAT testing for her.
For those not familiar with FCATs, a student can’t move on to 4th grade without passing it. Additionally, schools are graded and part of their funding based on their students’ performance on FCATs. So, there’s a lot of pressure on everyone – school boards, principles, teachers, parents, and students – for students to do well on them.
Few will say it out loud, but at every level there is a palpable fear of failure.
I have never been anxious or fearful of tests. I think it has a lot to do with my attitude towards them.
Whether you’re a student or a parent here are 8 positive things to keep in mind that will help to reduce your anxiety about tests.
1) Tests provide a goal. “Is this going to be on the test?” Students ask this all the time, because we learn what we’re tested on. Tests tell us what we ought to know.
2) Tests provide motivation for learning. Most of us wouldn’t study much at all if it wasn’t for tests, hence the popularity of cramming.
3) Tests provide an assessment. Facts are our friends. Passing a test affirms that we’ve learned what we ought to have learned. And as much as we hate to fail tests, it’s better to know what we don’t understand so we can go back and try again to learn it.
4) Tests provide guidance. Ultimately, the world is best served when each of us is doing what we’re great at. People who are great at their work are also happier. Tests are a good indicator of what we’re good at and what we’re not so good at. They can help point us towards a fulfilling career.
5) Tests prepare for bigger, future tests. A lot of people stress over tests, but let’s face reality – the tests we face in the classroom are nothing compared to the tests we face in the workplace. Nurses, firemen, teachers, pastors, CEOs, engineers, artists, and accountants all need to learn how to perform under pressure.
6) Book smarts do not equal success. I think Republicans and Democrats would both agree that George W. Bush is not the smartest person on the planet. That’s not intended as an insult. Presidents are rarely the smartest person in the room. Success is as much a product of determination, perseverance, emotional and relational intelligence, work ethic, and character as it is knowledge. A person’s test scores – good or bad – are not a great indicator of success.
7) Tests do not indicate the value of the person. If you fear tests because you’re afraid of failing, remember… Every person is a human being, loved by God. Test scores don’t make one person better than another. They don’t make a person more or less valuable.
8 ) God is in control. Few things are a disappointing as failing a big test. Failure could mean repeating a grade, going to summer school, or the end of a dream like getting into medical school. It may sound cliché, but I often say, “Do your best, and trust God for the rest.” All you can do is you’re part, right? When the results are heart-breaking, trust that your heavenly Father loves you and wants what’s best for you. Often God has to close one door, to get us to move towards a better one.
If you were looking for tips like get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast or study techniques, I hope this didn’t disappoint you, but I believe having the right attitude about tests is even more important.
What are your thoughts and attitudes towards tests?
[image by rzganoza]
As a teacher who dreads standardized testing as much as the students :), I second the idea that the test score is not you, your value or your intellect! I just had a conversation yesterday with a parent that we (collectively teachers and parents) need to communicate more clearly to our kids that there are many kinds of “smart” and each are equally as valuable. I just hope that education moves away from constant testing and standardized everything to looking at our children more holistically and helping them nuture a love for learning that goes far beyond a bubble scantron form!
Heidi, thanks for your comment. I think standardized tests serve an important role. They help to ensure kids have learned the fundamentals, they help to evaluate the performance of the schools. But they only tell a small part of the story.
Hi Paul,
Great post. Test anxiety hits people of all ages. Your article will help many adults as well.
James
Nice post buddy..!!! Such tests will definitely helpful for the students in their careers..