The Zen of test taking
October 16, 2015 2:01 PM Subscribe
I test terribly. I think I know why, but that's not the point of this question: instead of strategies for me to do better during a test, I'm looking for ways to prevent the aftermath of a badly-taken test from ruining the rest of my day/week.
To be clear, I'm not talking about tests where I walk in unprepared and face the consequences -- this is more about the cases where I know the material, but something (related to distraction / panic over time limits, usually) leads to me making basic errors/assumptions that mess things up in ways that aren't immediately obvious. I have a very good memory for written material, and as I walk out of the classroom I can't help but keep thinking about the test questions and, like picking at a scab, I gradually realize the extent to which I messed things up. Generally, my mood throughout the day goes from "gee, that wasn't too bad!" to "hmm, that's a bit of a bummer," to "what the hell, self, you clearly know all of this stuff!"
I've gone through this process enough times to realize that, in the long run, things work out just fine -- or at least, my mediocre test-taking skills are balanced out by my very good coursework in practically every other area -- and that exams are a pretty crappy metric of how well I know the material, anyway. I chat with my instructors regularly and they know that I have a good grasp on the material, so I think part of it is that I hate to think of them having to going through my crappy test paper, which, I've been on the other side of that and all I ever do is shrug and chalk it up to a bad day, no big deal.
Are there any good ways to get myself to stop picking at the scab, so to speak, and let me continue living my life (which, among other things, includes studying for the next tests coming up)? Or do I just need to accept the "grrrmmphh" and let it flow through me?
(Why yes, this did just happen to me again this morning. I realized it literally as I was walking out the door, and the invigilator let me go back and cross out the most egregious error and put a big sad face next to it.Since I have the rest of the day off, my method of dealing with it has been to pour myself a stiff drink and type up this AskMe. I think it's working.)
To be clear, I'm not talking about tests where I walk in unprepared and face the consequences -- this is more about the cases where I know the material, but something (related to distraction / panic over time limits, usually) leads to me making basic errors/assumptions that mess things up in ways that aren't immediately obvious. I have a very good memory for written material, and as I walk out of the classroom I can't help but keep thinking about the test questions and, like picking at a scab, I gradually realize the extent to which I messed things up. Generally, my mood throughout the day goes from "gee, that wasn't too bad!" to "hmm, that's a bit of a bummer," to "what the hell, self, you clearly know all of this stuff!"
I've gone through this process enough times to realize that, in the long run, things work out just fine -- or at least, my mediocre test-taking skills are balanced out by my very good coursework in practically every other area -- and that exams are a pretty crappy metric of how well I know the material, anyway. I chat with my instructors regularly and they know that I have a good grasp on the material, so I think part of it is that I hate to think of them having to going through my crappy test paper, which, I've been on the other side of that and all I ever do is shrug and chalk it up to a bad day, no big deal.
Are there any good ways to get myself to stop picking at the scab, so to speak, and let me continue living my life (which, among other things, includes studying for the next tests coming up)? Or do I just need to accept the "grrrmmphh" and let it flow through me?
(Why yes, this did just happen to me again this morning. I realized it literally as I was walking out the door, and the invigilator let me go back and cross out the most egregious error and put a big sad face next to it.Since I have the rest of the day off, my method of dealing with it has been to pour myself a stiff drink and type up this AskMe. I think it's working.)
One of the best things you can teach yourself (or teach your dog) is to Drop It! Let it go. Worrying about it won't change it. After a short period of reflection about how you can do better the next time, you just have to STOP letting yourself think about it any more. Indulge in the exercise of your choice, or watch a movie, or call a friend, or stare at the trees and sky. Do anything except worry.
Years ago I developed a mantra: Don't frown, don't fidget, don't worry. This practice has left me with an unwrinkled face, a calm mind, and friends who don't have to endure my fidgits.And don't scold yourself when you catch yourself doing these things. Just stop and do or think something else.
And yes, do come and seek advice and hugs from your pal on AskMe.
posted by a humble nudibranch at 3:01 PM on October 16, 2015
Years ago I developed a mantra: Don't frown, don't fidget, don't worry. This practice has left me with an unwrinkled face, a calm mind, and friends who don't have to endure my fidgits.And don't scold yourself when you catch yourself doing these things. Just stop and do or think something else.
And yes, do come and seek advice and hugs from your pal on AskMe.
posted by a humble nudibranch at 3:01 PM on October 16, 2015
You have to create an inner, portable, place of power and comfort zone, to be in, while you take tests. This has something to do with allowing yourself to test well. I am really good at taking tests, it has to do with somehow leaning back into my mid brain and letting information flow from every reservoir of it. A physically relaxed state allows for even body memory to release its secrets. Physical relaxation helps turn off the fight or flight mechanism, for creative use of your personal inner library. There is a certain bravado in complete relaxation at test time, and being totally available to yourself, and your agreed upon need to regurgitate fact and a convincing show of understanding. You can do this.
posted by Oyéah at 11:51 PM on October 16, 2015
posted by Oyéah at 11:51 PM on October 16, 2015
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posted by btfreek at 2:04 PM on October 16, 2015 [1 favorite]