Nate Grigg / CC
Midterms can be defined as a exam given near the middle of an academic grading term, or near the middle of any given quarter or semester. Or as some students define it as pure anxiety.
Research has found that 20-40 percent of students experience moderate to severe test anxiety, and individuals who struggle with high anxiety preform at a rate of 12 percentile point lower then those who don’t. This can be the difference between a B and A+, a C and B+, a D and a C+.
Anxiety can affect individuals physiologically, physically, emotionally, and even behaviourally. These affects include excessive worrying, difficulty concentrating and focusing and even memory loss. It can cause behaviour issues, making the individual on edge and/or showing signs of depression.
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS:
- Panic attacks
- Behavioural changes
- Sweaty palms
- Troubles sleeping or staying asleep
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Low-self confidence
- Fast heart beat
- Dry mouth
“Anxiety is apart of who we are. It’s our bodies alarm system so we are never gonna get ride of it and nor do we want to do that. What we want to do is learn some strategies to handle it so it’s not running the show.” Says Fanshawe counsellor Gillan Villanueva.
Villanueva and another Fanshawe counsellor had recently put together a workshop regarding dealing with test anxiety which will being taking place once again in room E2037, November 19th at 2pm. The workshop will include learning strategies dealing with anxiety and relaxation techniques
TIPS ON DEALING WITH ANXIETY:
- Eat properaly
- Stay hydrated
- Get enough sleep
- Get regular exercise
- Practice breathing techniques
- Focus on doing your best, not being the best
- Work on self confidence, build yourself up
- Accept your anxiety-fighting it makes it worse. Anxiety is a part of you BUT not ALL of you.
If you think you are struggling with test anxiety as a student, you can take advantage of your schools services such as a counsellor. You can as well talk with you professor about the courses content to be sure you fully understand. If your anxiety continues ever after a test, you can opt to meeting with your family doctor and discuss ways to deal with it.