INTRODUCTION

Test Anxiety is a feeling someone might have in a situation where they are extremely stressed and overwhelmed with the idea of doing well on an exam.

Watch this video here.

Whether we realize it or not, a lot of students have at some point experienced test anxiety at some level. In turn, over worrying about tests can end up hindering our test performance.

TASK

Task #1: Students will create an infographic using Canva or Google Slides which displays what test anxiety is, its causes and its effects on students.

Task #2: Students will create a short Podcast episode on Anchor, in which they will discuss the problem with test anxiety in high school students and possible solutions.

PROCESS/RESOURCES

For this entire process, students will be working in groups of 3 or 4 people.

Day 1 & Day 2- Students will fill in the Google Doc outlining the issue of Test Anxiety at a High

School Level using the PPA

➔               Students will use a pre-made template for the PPA. The template can be found here.

➔               In the template students will identify all 6 steps of the PPA in their Google Doc.

This includes:

➢               Defining the Problem

➢               Gathering the Evidence

➢               Identifying Problems

➢               Evaluating Existing Public Policies

➢               Developing Solutions

➢               Selecting the Best Public Policy Solution (Feasibility vs. Effectiveness)

Day 3 - Students will be given directions for creating infographics and look at design tricks and good examples of infographics.

➔               Students will be told they will be creating their own infographics. The infographic will address the first 3 steps of the PPA: defining the problem, gathering the evidence and identifying the problem. Students should use their Google Doc to help them with the information.

Day 4 - Students will make a rough draft of their infographic on a piece of paper using pencil.

Day 5 & 6- Students will create their infographic on Canva or one slide of a Google Slide.

Day 7- Students will be given directions to creating their podcast. Students will be creating this podcast with Anchor.

➔               The podcast will address the last 3 steps of the PPA: evaluating existing public policies, developing solutions, and selecting the best public policy

Day 8 & 9- Students will create a script for the podcast with their group using a shared Google Doc

Day 10 & 11- Students will record their podcast with their group

Day 12- Students will publicize their podcast and listen to 3 podcasts of other groups. Students will evaluate each other on their podcasts and give feedback to each group.

EVALUATION

Task #1: The teacher will evaluate students based on their infographics.

Task #2: The teacher will evaluate students based on their infographics. Students will also complete a rubric for 3 groups and provide feedback for each group. The quality of students’ evaluations for each other will also play a part in their overall grade for the assignment.

CONCLUSION

You created some great ideas to try to lessen the effects of test anxiety for students. Your suggestions have not only helped many students understand their own test anxieties, it has also helped so many others understand this underlying problem that occurs for a number of students. Bringing awareness to a problem creates a stepping stone in finding possible solutions. You and your classmates can now share your knowledge with students, teachers, parents and other staff in order to help in the effort to change the perspective of testing in high school.

STANDARDS

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND DIGITAL FLUENCY LEARNING STANDARDS

9-12.DL.2 Communicate and work collaboratively with others using digital tools to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.

9-12.DL.5 Transfer knowledge of technology in order to use new and emerging technologies on multiple platforms.