LEARNING ASSISTANCE CENTER

LAC - lower level Emergency Evacuation Map

Policies and Procedures

Do you FEAR math?
Do you get anxious when you have a math test???
Here are some great ways to reduce your anxiety!

Before the test

• Know what you need to know.
  The unknown or unexpected is usually what you fear when taking a test. So, ask the instructor what pages to review, what kind of problems you should know. Don't skip problems just because you don't like them or they are difficult.

• No Cramming.
  Don't cram for tests.
  Begin reviewing several days in advance.
  Dig out your class notes and be sure you understand the concepts. Work on practice tests or chapter tests in the textbook. Go to the learning Lab and use the math computer programs.

• The night before the test:
  Review what you have already studied. Don't stay up late!
  Make your study time the last thing for the night. Research shows that the last thing on your mind before sleep will stay with you through the sleep cycle.
  

• The morning of the test:
  Eat a decent breakfast.
  Have a bagel instead of a donut - sugary food can cause sluggishness. Eat a piece of fruit or cereal instead of that fried egg because greasy foods can upset your stomach. Research shows that caffeine can improve short term reasoning in the short term. Enjoy a cup of Starbucks!
  
  
• Right before the test:
  Write out a "calming card", a card that reminds you that you are prepared, you have studied, you are relaxed and YOU ARE READY.
  Avoid talking to others if they are excited or worried about the test

During the test

• Environment:
  Be early so you can sit where you are most comfortable. Avoid sitting near distractions like a window or a girl in a short skirt.
  
  
• Before you begin:
  Read the instructions carefully - even if what you should do seems obvious.
  
  
• Working of the test:
  Gear up by beginning with a problem that is familiar to you and you are confident you can work correctly.
  Focus your attention on the problem you are working on.
  Recognize and stop negative thoughts from interrupting you.
  SHOW ALL YOU WORK. It is easier to catch any careless and obvious mistakes.
  Review each problem after you have finished it for the careless errors.
  Multiple-choice tests require just as much as other tests. Write out the solution on scratch paper. Then look for the match to your answer.

After the test

• Give yourself a pat on the back!
  You deserve it for working hard.
  
  
• When the test is returned:
  Don't just file it away. Go over the problems you missed. Make sure you understand what you did wrong. And, besides, maybe the instructor made an error in grading!
  
  
• Test grade:
  If you don't get the grade you wanted, remember that the most learning often comes from making mistakes. Success or lack of it on one test does not predict the success on the next test. You still have time to learn and do well next time.

Reducing your anxiety doesn't automatically lead to success.