DO STUDY PREPARATION STRATEGIES HELP REDUCE TEST ANXIETY?

Students grappling with test anxiety often find themselves struggling to focus during exams and encounter difficulties in adequately preparing for their assessments. This pervasive issue can lead to a range of detrimental consequences, such as extended study periods, higher dropout rates at the university level, poor performance in exams, and even adverse physical and psychological effects.

Several factors contribute to the development and exacerbation of test anxiety. A crucial aspect involves students’ self-perception regarding their knowledge and their belief in their capacity to improve their learning. These perceptions play a pivotal role in determining students’ achievement levels and their overall stress levels when facing examinations.

In light of these challenges, the current study highlights the positive impact of implementing specific study preparation strategies as an effective means of reducing test anxiety. These strategies encompass a multifaceted approach, including introductory review sessions at the commencement of each class session, comprehensive summaries at the conclusion of these sessions, and the integration of daily quizzes into the learning process.

These findings reinforce previous research that underscores the value of adopting a goal-oriented approach in one’s academic pursuits. Students who strategically plan their study preparations tend to experience lower levels of anxiety. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the substantial benefits of incorporating daily quizzes into the learning routine. These frequent assessments not only motivate students to engage in more consistent and thorough study practices but also lead to improved academic outcomes, ultimately diminishing concerns about the final exam.

Another crucial insight gleaned from the research is the advantage of a participative teaching approach over a traditional lecture-based method. By encouraging active learning and critical thinking, this interactive teaching style fosters a more engaged and empowered student body, resulting in reduced test anxiety.

In summary, the study offers a comprehensive perspective on the multifaceted nature of test anxiety and the various factors that contribute to it. Importantly, it provides practical strategies and interventions that educators and students alike can implement to mitigate the detrimental effects of test anxiety, ultimately promoting a more positive and conducive learning environment.

Reference:

Yusefzadeh, H., Amirzadeh Iranagh, J., & Nabilou, B. (2019). The effect of study preparation on test anxiety and performance: a quasi-experimental study. Advances in medical education and practice, 10, 245–251. https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S192053

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