What can teachers do to help alleviate test anxiety among students before the exam?

Providing relaxation techniques and stress management strategies is a highly effective way to help alleviate test anxiety among students. This approach empowers students with practical tools to manage their anxiety. By teaching strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or visualization, teachers can equip students to cope with the stress associated with exams. When students learn how to calm their minds and bodies, they may feel more in control, which can enhance their performance during the actual testing situation.

In contrast, simply including more multiple-choice questions on practice tests or reducing the length of practice exams may not address the underlying anxiety that students experience. While these actions might help with familiarity or practice, they do not directly tackle the emotional responses to testing. Encouraging a competitive spirit can sometimes intensify anxiety rather than relieve it, as it can foster a high-pressure environment instead of a supportive one.