Test Anxiety: Crash Course Study Skills #8

Summary

In this Crash Course Study Skills episode, Thomas Frank explores how to manage test anxiety by understanding and addressing three common fears: fear of past failures, fear of the unknown, and fear of the stakes. He shares actionable strategies such as writing down anxieties, analyzing past mistakes, and preparing in test-like conditions to reduce anxiety. The episode emphasizes that anxiety can be a positive indicator of important tasks and encourages reframing tests as learning opportunities. Seeking professional help is also advised for severe anxiety. Next week, the series will cover research papers and essays.

Takeaways

• 🎭 Henry Fonda struggled with performance anxiety throughout his career, but still delivered great performances.
• 💡 Anxiety is normal, especially in situations that are important to us, such as tests and exams.
• 📉 Excessive test anxiety can negatively affect working memory and recall, making it harder to perform well.
• 📝 Writing down your fears before a test can help reduce anxiety and improve performance, as shown by research.
• ⚠️ The three main fears related to test anxiety are: fear of repeating past failures, fear of the unknown, and fear of the stakes.
• ♟️ Analyzing past mistakes, much like elite chess players do, is key to improving future performance.
• 📚 Familiarizing yourself with the test format and environment can reduce the fear of the unknown.
• ⏳ Viewing tests as learning opportunities rather than judgments can alleviate the fear of high stakes.
• 🙌 It's important to have a concrete plan for improvement rather than just saying 'I'll do better next time.'
• 👩‍⚕️ If test anxiety is significantly impacting your life, consider seeking professional help.

Q & A

Who was Henry Fonda, and what challenges did he face despite his successful career?

Henry Fonda was a famous actor whose career spanned 54 years, including roles in classic movies like '12 Angry Men' and 'Once Upon a Time in the West.' Despite his success, Fonda struggled with performance anxiety throughout his life, even throwing up before stage performances.

What quote from Steven Pressfield is mentioned in the script, and what does it mean in the context of facing challenges?

The quote is: 'Fear doesn’t go away. The warrior and the artist live by the same code of necessity, which dictates that the battle must be fought anew every day.' It means that fear is a constant presence, and we must continuously face it rather than expect it to disappear.

Why is it important to manage test anxiety, according to the script?

Managing test anxiety is important because too much anxiety can deplete working memory and hinder the hippocampus's ability to recall memories, ultimately affecting test performance.

What general-purpose strategy is suggested for reducing test anxiety before an exam?

The script suggests writing out the causes of anxiety on a piece of paper before the exam. This technique, proven in a study at the University of Chicago, helps unload worries from the mind, freeing up mental resources for the test.

What are the 'Three Big Fears' that contribute to test anxiety?

The 'Three Big Fears' are: 1) Fear of repeating past failures, 2) Fear of the unknown, and 3) Fear of the stakes.

How can one combat the fear of repeating past failures?

To combat the fear of repeating past failures, one should analyze past mistakes, understand why they occurred, and learn from them. Reviewing past exams, seeking feedback from teachers, and understanding the correct answers are all part of this process.

Why is it helpful to review and analyze past exam mistakes?

Reviewing and analyzing past exam mistakes helps identify patterns, correct bad habits, and develop a deeper understanding of why certain answers were incorrect, allowing for improvement in future tests.

How can one address the fear of the unknown when it comes to taking tests?

The fear of the unknown can be addressed by replicating test conditions during study sessions, using practice tests, creating quizzes from notes, and studying in an environment similar to the actual test setting. This helps make the test feel more familiar.

What is the suggested way to deal with the fear of high stakes in testing situations?

To deal with the fear of high stakes, it helps to reframe the test as a learning opportunity rather than a judgment. Remember that most tests are not make-or-break, and even if you fail, you can learn from the experience and recover.

What should you do if test anxiety is significantly impacting your life?

If test anxiety is significantly impacting your life, the script advises seeking help from a professional, as anxiety is not something you always need to face alone.