Balancing The Scale: Exploring Test Anxiety And Performance Dynamics In High School Vocabulary Testing

Abstract

Test anxiety is a common challenge among high schoolers — and forever altering the way they study for and approach tests. This research aims to find out how the anxiety level has an impact on the performance of thesaurus tests based on how the students feel before and after taking the feigning tests. Using a combination of surveys and observations, we found that moderate anxiety tends to keep students engaged and performing well, while severe anxiety can compromise memory and decision-making. After the test, as students transitioned from fretting about preparation for the wrong answer, such feelings reflected the emotional burden exams carry. To mitigate the surge of test anxiety, it is crucial to implement supportive strategies, including but not limited to, introducing mindfulness exercises, offering time management training, and ensuring a conducive testing environment. Educators can counteract test anxiety by taking care to help students turn their nervous energy into confidence and achieve better academic results while also rising above that anxiousness in life.