Exam time can bring about a range of different thoughts and feelings for students. The following information will assist you to develop techniques to improve your confidence and to manage any anxiety that you may experience in the lead up to your exams.
Does the thought of sitting for an exam:
- make you feel excited?
- make you feel energised?
- encourage you to perform at your best?
- make you think of success?
Most students would like to identify with at least some of these reactions. A small amount of anxiety together with confidence in relation to sitting exams is the key. Research indicates that optimum performance in exams is obtained when students experience medium or manageable levels of anxiety. Mild levels of anxiety can improve alertness and provide the burst of energy needed to get through demanding situations. However, excessive levels of anxiety in relation to exams can be debilitating; inhibiting concentration and memory and, in its most severe form, causing panic attacks.
Anxiety can fool you and convince you that you cannot function when you really can. It is important not to give up when you feel anxious! If you persist you will discover that you can perform effectively and you will become increasingly confident. Most people experience some degree of anxiety when faced with an exam. The students who perform better tend to cope with anxiety in more productive ways. -deakin.edu.au
