reducing test anxiety - texas counseling association · reducing test anxiety tsi/act/sat and other...

Reducing Test

Anxiety

TSI/ACT/SAT and Other TestsKira Holt, M.A.H.S.

KiraJaneneHolt@gmail.comKiraHolt@yahoo.com

http://www.apadivisions.org/division-16/publications/newsletters/science/2013/07/test

-taking.aspx The Research

• Test-anxious students reported that being front-loaded with the structure of tests and being given goals helped them become more familiar and comfortable with the test-taking situation. •Other students felt that positive comments and

encouragement were helpful to their self-confidence throughout the exam. • Some felt that intervention is unnecessary and at

times detrimental to their feeling of independence.

Know the Tests

Texas Success Initiative The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) state-legislated program to improve student success in college. There Components - Assessment to diagnose basic skills in reading, math, & writing. Developmental instruction to strengthen academic skills that need improvement.

Texas Success Initiative https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/sites/default/files/accuplacer-tsi-assessment-student-brochure.pdf

•Must participate in Pre-Assessment Activity

•Explanation of importance of TSI Assessment;

•Practice test questions & feedback;

•Explanation of developmental education options if don’t meet minimum passing standard; and

• Information on campus/community resources to help succeed as college student.

Accuplacer - College Board

• https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students

• https://securemedia.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/accuplacer/accuplacer-sample-questions-for-students.pdf

• https://securemedia.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/accuplacer/accuplacer-study-app-flyer.pdf

TSI Assessment in Mathematics

•Elementary Algebra and Functions

• Intermediate Algebra and Functions

•Geometry and Measurement

•Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability

approximately 20 items on the TSI placement test and 10 items in each section of the DE Diagnostic Test

TSI Assessment in Reading

•Literary Analysis•Main Idea and Supporting Details• Inferences in a Text or Texts•Author’s Use of Language

approximately 24 items on the TSI placement test and 10 to 12 items in each section of the DE Diagnostic Test

TSI Writing

• Essay Revision• Agreement• Sentence Structure• Sentence Logic

write a five-paragraph persuasive essay (approximately 300–600 words)

approximately 20 items on the TSI placement test and 10 to 12 items in each section of the DE Diagnostic Test

ACT Test Prep

• http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/

• http://www.act.org/qotd/

• http://www.actstudent.org/onlineprep/ costs

• http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/Preparing-for-the-ACT.pdf

• http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/tips/

• http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/tips/writing-test.html

• http://www.actstudent.org/writing/writing-tips.html

SAT Test Prep

• https://sat.collegeboard.org/practice free and cost - several links

• https://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-skills-insight

• https://www.khanacademy.org/sat

• https://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-study-plan

• https://sat.collegeboard.org/practice/sat-subject-test-preparation/approaches

ACT English Test 75 questions 45 minutes

• Punctuation (10-15%)

• Grammar and Usage (15-20%)

• Sentence Structure (20-25%)

• Strategy (15-20%)

• Organization (10-15%)

• Style (15-20%)

• Five essays/passages, each accompanied by a sequence of multiple-choice test questions. Passages chosen for appropriateness in assessing writing skills & also reflect students' interests and experiences

ACT Math Test 60 questions60 minutes

• Pre-Algebra (20-25%)

• Elementary Algebra (15-20%)

• Intermediate Algebra (15-20)

• Coordinate Geometry (15-20%)

Plane Geometry (20-25%)

Trigonometry (5-10%)

multiple-choice questions that require reasoning skills to solve practical problems in mathematics

ACT Reading Test 40 questions 35 minutes

• Social Studies (25%)

• Natural Sciences(25

• Literary Narrative (25%) or Prose Fiction (25%).

• Humanities (25%)

• referring to what is explicitly stated

• reasoning to determine implicit meaning

ACT Science Test 40 questions 35 minutes

Data Representation (30-40%)

Research Summaries (45-55%)

Conflicting Viewpoints (15-20%)

recognize & understand basic features of, concepts related to, the provided information

examine critically relationships between information provided & conclusions drawn or hypotheses developed

generalize from given information to gain new information, draw conclusions, or make predictions

ACT Optional Writing

1 prompt 40 minutes

Measures writing skills—specifically writing skills emphasized in high school English classes & entry-level college composition.

New – changed this year

Conversations around contemporary issues

Three diverse perspectives that encourage critical engagement with issue

Students develop argument that puts their perspective in dialogue with others

Guidance & structure for planning and prewriting

New ACT Writing Scores

Subject-Level Writing Score 1–36

Individual Domain Scores

Ideas and Analysis 2–12

Development and Support 2–12

Organization 2–12

Language Use and Conventions 2–12

ELA score (average of English, reading and writing tests) 1-36

Writing Test Resources

• http://www.actstudent.org/writing/scores/guidelines.html

• http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/Writing-Test-Scoring-Rubric.pdf

• http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/ACTWritingConcordance.pdf

• http://www.actstudent.org/writing/sample/

The New SAT

• 4 parts: Reading, Writing and Language, Math, and the optional SAT Essay

• 400–1600 score scale

• 3 hours and 50 minutes with the SAT Essay — or 3 hours without it

• 4 answer choices

• 4 college application fee waivers for every student who uses an SAT fee waiver

The New SAT

• All-new essay — and it’s optional

• No penalty for guessing

• No vocab that you’ll never use again

SAT Reading Test

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/inside-the-test/reading

• One passage from classic or contemporary work of U.S. or world literature.

• One passage or a pair of passages from either a U.S. founding document or text in great global conversation they inspired - U.S. Constitution/speech by Nelson Mandela, for example.

• A selection about economics, psychology, sociology, or other social science.

• 2 science passages (or one passage & one passage pair) foundational concepts & developments in Earth science, biology, chemistry, or physics.

SAT Writing/Language Testhttps://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/inside-the-test/writing-language• Command of Evidence

• Words in Context

• Analysis in History/Social Studies and Science

• Expression of Ideas

• Standard English Conventions

Building blocks of writing: sentence structure, usage, and punctuation. Asked to change words, clauses, sentences, and punctuation. Topics covered include verb tense, parallel construction, subject-verb agreement, & comma use.

SAT Math Test

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/inside-the-test/math• Most math questions will be multiple choice, but some — called grid-

ins — ask for answer rather than select answer.

• The Math Test is divided into two portions: Math Test – Calculator and Math Test – No Calculator.

• Some parts of the test include several questions about a single scenario.

More Math

Math Test focuses on three areas that play biggest role in college majors & careers:

• Heart of Algebra focuses on mastery of linear equations & systems.

• Problem Solving and Data Analysis - being quantitatively literate.

• Passport to Advanced Math features questions requiring manipulation of complex equations.

• Math Test also draws on Additional Topics in Math, including geometry and trigonometry relevant to college and career readiness.

SAT Old vs. New

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/inside-the-test/compare-current-new-specifications

Total Testing Time3 hours and 45 minutes 3 hours (+ 50 minutes Essay [optional])

SAT - Old vs. New https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/inside-the-test/compare-current-new-specificationsOld SAT Time Items New SAT Time Items

Critical Reading 70 67 Reading 65 52

Writing 60 49 Writing/Language 35 44

Essay 25 1 Essay (optional) 50 1

Mathematics 70 54 Math 80 58

Total 225 171 Total 180 min. (230 with Essay)154 items (155 with Essay)

• http://time.com/3905719/the-new-sat/• https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/new-sat• https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/inside-the-test/compare-

current-new-specifications• https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/inside-the-test/study-guide-

students• https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/inside-the-test/compare-

new-sat-act• http://www.businessinsider.com/the-sat-is-changing-its-format-in-2016-

and-will-be-easier-2015-6

SAT/ACT Fee

Waivers/Admission

• Two each

• Free/reduced lunch

• Ward of state

• TRIO Program

College Admission Fee Waiver

• SAT – limit of four https://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-fee-waivers

• ACT – unlimited http://www.act.org/aap/resources/results.html

• NACAC Fee waiver http://www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/feewaiver/pages/default.aspx

SuperScore

http://www.apadivisions.org/division-16/publications/newsletters/science/2013/07/test-taking.aspx• Test-anxious students reported that being front-

loaded with the structure of tests and being given goals helped them become more familiar and comfortable with the test-taking situation. •Other students felt that positive comments and

encouragement were helpful to their self-confidence throughout the exam. • Some felt that intervention is unnecessary and at

times detrimental to their feeling of independence.

Strategies to Help Reduce Test Anxietyhttp://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/expert-answers/test-anxiety/faq-20058195

• Study efficiently - Study-skills classes & test-taking strategies.

• Establish consistent pretest routine - Learn what works for you

• Learn relaxation techniques – breathe

• Don't forget to eat and drink - Brain needs fuel to function.

• Get some exercise - release tension.

• Get plenty of sleep - Sleep directly related to academic performance.

• Talk to teacher – know what’s on test & alert to anxiety

Reducing Test Taking Anxiety http://www.testtakingtips.com/anxiety/• Try to maintain a positive attitude while preparing for test & during test.

• Show up to class early so won't worry about being late.

• Chew gum (if allowed) during test to help relieve test anxiety.

• Stay relaxed, take a few deep breaths slowly to relax & then get back to work.

• Read directions slowly and carefully.

Reducing Test Taking Anxiety-part 2 http://www.testtakingtips.com/anxiety/• Don't understand directions, ask teacher to explain.

• Skim through for idea on pacing.

• Write down important formulas, facts, definitions & keywords in margin first so won't worry about forgetting them.

• Do simple questions first to help build up confidence for harder questions.

• Don't worry about how fast other people finish; concentrate on own test.

• Don't know an answer, skip it (come back if time). Don't have to always get every question right.

• Focus on question at hand. Don't let mind wander.

Multiple Choice Test Strategies

• Anticipate answer before looking at choices. Physically cover answers with scantron sheet to see if can answer question first.

• Read over all options.

• Eliminate highly implausible answers.

• Some examiners give away answers in their tests. By answering one question, may realize answer to another question.

Guessing? Tips for Multiple Choice:

• Sometimes lengthy/highly specific answers will be correct answer.

• Be aware of words like "always," "never," "only," "must," and "completely." Many exceptions to rules. Extreme words more than likely wrong choice.

• Answer all questions in order without skipping or jumping around. Identify doubtful answers by marking in margin; recheck these as time permits after all questions answered.

• Do not linger on any one question. Mark best guess & move on, return later if sufficient time.

• Reread all questions containing negative wording such as "not" or "least." Be especially alert for use of double/triple negatives within sentence. Must read carefully to assure full understanding.

• Check for qualifying words "all-most-some-none," "always-usually-seldom-never," "best-worst," or "smallest-largest." When qualifiers, test for truth by substituting the other members of the series. IF substitution makes a better statement, question is false. If substitution doesn’t make better statement, question is true.

Guessing? Tips for Multiple Choice:

• Watch for modifying or limiting phrases inserted into true/false questions. Instructors often use inserted names, dates, places, or other details making statement inaccurate.

• Be alert for multiple ideas or concepts within same true/false statements. All parts of statement must be true or the entire statement is false.

• Be alert for grammatical inconsistencies between the question stem and answer choices on multiple-choice questions. A choice is almost always wrong if it and the stem do not make grammatically correct sentence.

• Be cautious about changing answer to a true/false or multiple-choice question without a good reason. First "guess" is more likely to be correct than are subsequent "guesses," so be sure to have a sound reason for changing answer.

• Apply same approach to answering true/false and multiple-choice questions. Same techniques work equally. Multiple-choice = true/false questions arranged in groups.

Planning/Writing Essay

• Read several times until clearly understand what asked

• Pay attention to key words found in every essay question. Ability to understand/respond to key words is basic skill to handling essay

• Rephrase question into statement-can serve as thesis statement for essay or topic sentence for one-paragraph answer

• Opening sentence-thesis statement (reworded question). Follow with background information necessary for understanding of answer.

Essay Strategies

• Few minutes of careful planning - crucial to good essay.

• Budget time - planning, writing, editing.

• Make notes, organize & check to see outline contains everything

• Writing

• Stay on track/explain points. Keep in mind special instructions.

• Keep introductions & conclusions short.

• Say what going to say in introduction, say in the body, restate in conclusion.

Journaling Test Anxiety

• Write feelings about upcoming test…

• What worries you about test?

• When I think about this test, I feel …….

Activity: With partner, write out two or three prompts to share with group

RELAXATION Techniques

•Use techniques waiting on exam.

•Use if freeze during an exam.

• Two/three minutes deep breathing/relaxation well spent.

• Focused relaxation & deep breathing reduce biological effects of anxiety.

•Reduce adrenalin pumping through system, clear mind & think again

Differential Relaxation

Loma Linda Univ.

• Sit up straight in chair.

• Place both feet on floor - make sure flat.

• Grasp bottom sides of chair with hands.

• At same time, use hands to pull up on chair & push feet firmly on floor.

• Hold this position counting slowly to 5 (5 seconds).

• Release tension in hands & feet; let body relax while counting slowly.

• Repeat process several times before test begins.

Metropolitan College - Deep Breathing:

• Inhale, taking a deep breath that fills diaphragm as you push it down & outward. By moving diaphragm lungs fully inflate.

• Hold breath as slowly count to three.

• Slowly release the air as exhale.

• Focus on feeling of diaphragm moving back inward.

• Repeat cycle five times.

• Repeat if needed.

UC Berkeley - Visualization

• When it comes to reducing test anxiety, visualization method known as palming is popular choice. Visualization method is easy to perform while sitting at desk before test.

• Close eyes.• Use the palms of hands to gently cover eyes. Careful not to touch eyes with

hands. To do this, place fingers on forehead lower palms on cheekbones.• Imagine relaxing scene/quiet place - real or imaginary.• Imagine self at relaxing, quiet place.

Begin practicing palming method of visualization days before test. The more practice any relaxation method, the easier it becomes.

Five Finger

Relaxation Technique

• Takes few minutes.• Sit in a comfortable position with both feet on the floor & hands in lap.

Close eyes.• Touch thumb to index finger. While doing, go back in time when body felt

healthy fatigue, after exhilarating physical activity. Imagine tennis, jogged, etc.

• Touch thumb to middle finger. Go back to a time when felt loved. • Touch thumb to ring finger. Go back to the nicest compliment ever

received. Accept it. By accepting, you show high regard for person who said it. Paying person compliment.

• Touch thumb to little finger. Go back to the most beautiful place ever been. Dwell there for a while.

Guided Meditation – Test Anxiety

•http://assets.wne.edu/118/TestAnxiety.mp3Western New England University/ 18 minute of relaxation specifically for testing situations

http://www.amazon.com/Kira-Janene-Holt/e/B006Q9ZCZ2

Connect to Kira

• www.linkedin.com/in/kirajaneneholt/

• Sign up for free newsletter on college planning at http://eepurl.com/bm9DdX.

• KiraJaneneHolt@gmail.com

Developed by Kira Janene Holt, author of Cookbook for Getting Your Kid to College and Coaching Your Kid to Success. www.kiraholt.com KiraJaneneHolt@gmail.com Discounts for schools and non-profits when ordering 20 copies or more.

College Planning Resource Guide

There are many Internet tools to help parents and students with preparation, planning, searching, applying and paying for college. It’s mind numbing to sift through site after site after site. Some sites are better than others. Some sites use free information to entice parents and students into paying for other services. Be wary of any site asking for money. I’m giving you my list but it is by no means comprehensive. These are sites I trust.

Texas Specific

http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/publications/?CFID=44896999&CFTOKEN=32898018 Helpful materials to download in English and Spanish

https://www.applytexas.org/adappc/html/research_your_options.html Research 2-year, 4-year schools in state as well as scholarships

https://www.applytexas.org/adappc/html/research_your_options.html Common application for TX schools

http://gentx.org/ From inspiration to checklists that can be downloaded.

College Search – Here’s where there are too many to name all the good ones.

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ College Board’s comprehensive search and planning tool.

http://www.act.org/collegesearch/ ACT’s college search

http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ Federal government’s search site.

Other helpful sites

http://www.edpubs.gov/ProductCatalog.aspx?KeyWordSearch=&TypeofSearch=exact&searchterm=College%20prep%20checklist College readiness publications from the federal government.

http://studentaid.ed.gov/ Link from here to everything you need to know about financial aid.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education/higher-education/college-score-card Government affordability and transparency site on colleges

http://www.actstudent.org/ Learn about ACT College Entrance Exam and sign up to take it.

http://sat.collegeboard.org/home Learn about SAT College Entrance Exam and sign up to take it.