In recent years the Selective High School Placement Test changed to focus on thinking skills rather than general ability. This 40 questions section requires students to understand how to think logically and…
The Selective School Placement Test is a crucial milestone for students aiming to secure admission to prestigious selective schools. To navigate this highly competitive process successfully, we need to not only prepare but also ensuring we reduce test anxiety in order to enhance performance on test day.
Test anxiety is a common phenomenon that many students experience, leading to increased stress levels and decreased performance during exams. The good news is that there are effective strategies you can employ to reduce anxiety and perform at your best during tests. In this article, we will explore some actionable tips and techniques that can help your child overcome test anxiety and achieve optimal results.
1. Understand the Root Causes of Test Anxiety
Before delving into specific strategies, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes of test anxiety. Fear of failure, excessive self-pressure, lack of preparation, and negative self-talk are often contributing factors. Recognizing these triggers can empower you to tackle them head-on.
2. Develop Effective Study Habits
Establishing a regular study routine can reduce anxiety. Talk to your child about creating a simple study schedule that allocates ample time for each of the areas covered in the placement test. It may be as simple as doing half an hour to an hours study after some afternoon tea and before dinner. They might cover one of the following topics each day, Monday to Thursday taking a break on the other days of the week:
- Reading
- Writing
- Mathematical reasoning, and
- Thinking Skills
You can use school work, text books or past papers to help with the study session.
Breaking down study sessions into manageable chunks and making sure they are balanced with play and relaxation will enhance productivity while preventing burnout and overwhelm.
3. Learn Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Teaching your child mindfulness and relaxation techniques can significantly reduce anxiety levels. Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation can help calm their mind, improve focus, and alleviate stress. Dedicate a few minutes each day to practice these techniques, and it will help them increase mental clarity and emotional resilience.
4. Visualise Success
Before test day you may want to help your child to visualise themselves confidently and successfully completing the test. Visualization has been shown to be a powerful tool for reducing anxiety and enhancing performance. Ask them to picture the exam environment, recall positive emotions associated with previous accomplishments, and envision themselves answering questions with ease. This mental rehearsal can instill confidence and reduce anxiety on the actual test day.
5. Utilise Effective Test-Taking Strategies
Familiarise yourself and your child with proven test-taking strategies that can boost performance. These techniques include reading instructions carefully, skimming through the entire test before starting, answering easier questions first, and managing your time wisely. Feeling prepared and employing smart strategies can alleviate anxiety during the exam and help you perform at your best.
6. Take Care of Their Physical Health
Physical well-being plays a vital role in their mental state and test performance. Ensure they are getting adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise. Avoid excessive sugary foods that can contribute to anxiety and affect concentration.
7. Seek Support
If test anxiety is significantly impacting your childs well being don’t hesitate to seek support from professionals. While test anxiety is normal and the skills to overcome the pressure will serve your child well for their future, for a variety of reasons some people respond poorly to high pressure environments. You may want to seek help from a professional if your childs anxiety is significant.
In that case, you may also want to consider if a selective school is the best place for your child to be as they tend to be more competitive and high pressure environments compared to other high schools. Your child’s health (physical, mental and emotional) is paramount, and any success they achieve in their life will be dependent on them being happy and healthy.
Test anxiety can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can conquer it and perform at your best. By understanding the root causes of anxiety, developing effective study habits, practicing mindfulness, utilizing visualization techniques, employing smart test-taking strategies, prioritizing physical health, and seeking support when needed, you can reduce anxiety levels and excel in your exams. Remember, preparation, self-care, and a positive mindset are key to overcoming test anxiety and achieving your academic goals.
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