Tackling Test Stress Tip 3: A Friendly Face
One of our Facebook friends, Maria Teresa Crabb Esposito shared a great idea for alleviating assessment anxiety.
She encourages students to keep a picture of a person that they admire and love on their desk during testing. This can help students have more confidence during the test. Maria shared, “I remember having my Dad´s picture during an important essay exam, to get my professional certification (on my second try). I was sure his presence helped me to finally pass this exam!”
Comments
Kevin S
I am a school counselor and this tip is an excellent one and one that I had not thought of or heard of. I work with a lot of students with test anxiety and I think this could work for some. Has anyone tried this to any type of success? And have you tried any other types of pictures or objects?
Deborah Thonus
Kevin,
I haven’t asked students to bring in pictures, but some have brought in photos of pets and family on their own. I always allow the pics to stay on their desks unless the testing instructions forbid it.