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<h2 class="style5">Surviving Final Exams</h2>
<p>Your student may have called and said, “Final exams are next week and I'm starting to become really nervous.” As a parent the first thing you say is, “Don’t worry honey; everything will be okay.” We understand that you want to do and say so much more. In this article, we will discuss test anxiety and give you advice to encourage your student so that he/she can relax and put his/her best foot forward.</p>
<p>Test anxiety is an uneasiness or apprehension experienced before, during or after an examination because of concern, worry or fear. This may be an unfamiliar emotion to your freshman student because this is the first time your student has had to face this much pressure within a one-week period. Fortunately, there are some things that can be done to prevent test anxiety from interfering with your student’s performance.<br /></p>
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<li><strong>Ease the “I do not want to let my parents down” anxiety. Send your student a care package.<br /></strong><br /> A care package will to let your student know that you love him or her no matter how he or she performa. This will ease a lot of pressure off your student. Care packages are all the rage in college. Student Affairs will be more than happy to prepare a final exam care package for your student. Packages will include everything from energy boosters to exam Scantron answer sheets. Your student can receive the care package the same day you place the order. To take advantage of this offer, log onto <a href="http://www.siuebookstore.com">www.siuebookstore.com</a>, click the shop online catalog link and click onto student basket/gift box. Act quickly; long study hours start on Saturday.<br /><br /></li>
<li><strong>Give advice in the form of questions and be sure to listen to your student’s response. This shows that you understand the position that your student is in and that you want to help.</strong><br /><br /> Ask questions such as:<br /><br /> • Have you thought about joining a study group?<br /><br /> • Have you thought about studying in a different, quiet location? (The care package has a mini alarm clock to keep your student on track)<br /><br /> • Have you thought about speaking with someone at the Writing Center for quick test-taking ideas?<br /><br /></li>
<li><strong>Encourage your student to do a few things that you do to relieve anxiety.</strong><br /><br /> This shows that everyone, even parents, experience anxiety. Sometimes a student feels like he or she is the only one struggling with anxiety. Suggest:<br /><br />• Self-motivation: Use positive thought processes.<br /><br /> • Write in a journal or talk to someone: Sometimes when people are overwhelmed, venting is the best therapy.<br /><br /> • Reward yourself: After each test, take 30 minutes to relax. Eat ice cream or read a magazine.<br /><br /> • Continue to eat properly: It is important to begin each day with a nutritious breakfast.<br /><br /></li>
<li><strong>Ultimately, your student must master the test. Give your student pointers on how to master a test.</strong><br /><br />• Combine all of the information that was presented throughout the semester and work on mastering the main concepts of the course.<br /><br />• Ask yourself what questions may be asked and try to answer them by integrating ideas from lectures, notes, texts and supplemental readings.<br /><br />• Relax at least 30 minutes before each test. Last-minute cramming can cloud the mind.<br /><br />• Arrive early and select a seat away from doors, windows and other distractions.<br /><br /> • Review the entire test before starting.<br /></li>
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<p><strong>Remember: Your support will give your student the confidence he/she needs to survive finals week.</strong><br /></p>
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<h3 class="style1">Send your student a<br /> Final Exam<br /> Care Package</h3>
<p>To order final exam care packages, log onto: <a href="http://www.siuebookstore.com" target="_blank">www.siuebookstore.com</a><br />Click the shop online catalog link and click onto student basket/gift box.<br /></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.siue.edu/prospectivestudents/parents_newsletter_index.shtml">Click here</a> to view back issues of the Parent Connection newsletter.</p>
<p>Published by:<br /> SIUE Office of Student Affairs<br /> 2306 Rendleman Hall<br /> SIUE<br /> Edwardsville, IL 62026</p>
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