Examination Blanking out

Test anxiety is normal and can even help us function well in testing situations. The problem develops when the level of nervousness is so high that it interferes with what one is there to do. As a result, with two people taking the exact same test, one might be calm, cool and collected, while the other is a pile of perspiration and blanking out. Blanking out experiences comes from cramming information into the short term memory. Short – term memory is easily disrupted during times of stress. Ever notice how one can’t find the keys when one is in a big rush. It’s because short-term memory easily blanks when anxious, like in testing situations.

Catastrophic belief about exams increases anxiety and decrease performance quality. One can lessen these thought patterns by being aware that, is it really true that this one test will be the make or break point for the entire career. If not, work on replacing these extreme thoughts with something more realistic and motivating behaviors. Spreading the preparation out rather than attempting to cram the night before the exam. Minimizations of distractions are vital during the actual test. It can be achieved through wearing comfortable clothes, arriving early to spot, avoiding joining the last minute cram discussions with others, taking break during the tests and so on.