Feature Story

Reducing Test Anxiety

High-stakes testing and frequent assessment have become the norm for elementary and secondary students. Despite their experience in test taking, many students still struggle with test anxiety. Some stress before a test can be helpful in motivating students to study and do their best. However, test anxiety can impair comprehension, problem-solving abilities, and reasoning, interfering with a student's ability to concentrate and perform.
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NBC Learn

The NBC News Archives on Demand Health and Wellness video collection provides 3–5 minute video clips that focus on positive lifestyle choices and the latest research in health science. Explore body systems, health and hygiene, exercise and fitness, food and nutrition, and advances in medicine, along with mental health resources addressing self-image, relationships, stress management, conflict resolution, and mental health disorders.
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Fitness Zone

Fitness Zone activities provide a good way to integrate fitness into your lesson plan. Use these activities to build teamwork and to give students a quick break between subjects, so they settle down to focus on new material more easily.

Brains in Balance

Brain research indicates that activities including balance, catching a ball, and processing information can improve brain functioning.

• Have students find a partner and stand 5-8 feet apart.
• Ask a question from the text.
• While asking the question, partner 1 tosses object (scrap paper formed into ball) to partner 2 who answers question while standing on one foot.

You can find more activities like these in the FitnessZone.

Professional Development

Identifying and Coping With Test Anxiety

In recent years, standardized testing has become an integral part of the educational experience. As high stakes testing increases in schools, so does test anxiety among students. Recent studies suggest that more than 33% of elementary and secondary students experience some test anxiety. Students with test anxiety are reported to have lower standardized test scores. They experience more difficulty learning new material in the classroom and often have poor motivation, a negative self-concept, and concentration difficulties. They are also more likely to repeat a grade or dropout of school. In order to help students maximize their potential and attain success, the concept of test anxiety must be addressed in the educational community.
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Teacher Tips—What Works!

Teacher tips are tried-and-true teaching strategies developed by health education teachers around the country. Take a look at some classroom activities that really work.
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