Supporting Students Who Battle Exam Anxiety In Online Learning Settings
Online learning has unlocked plenty of opportunities for people worldwide who now can have full control of their learning journey. However, as with any piece of technology, there are challenges to overcome as well. One of them is exam anxiety in online learning. For many students, tests have always been stressful, but virtual learning has added a different set of anxiety-inducing issues. Technical glitches, staring at screens for hours, and the lack of in-person support are the perfect setting for nerves and stress. Therefore, instructors and educators must now address these challenges themselves, too.
So, how do you do it? The good news is that there are plenty of effective strategies to help students feel more confident and less stressed about online exams. But before presenting them, let’s understand exam anxiety and why it can feel more overwhelming in an online environment. Exam anxiety isn’t just about being nervous before a test, a feeling that most of us have experienced. It’s physically expressing this stress with overthinking, difficulty concentrating, sweaty palms, nausea, or even panic attacks. Thus, it’s often difficult for those who go through this to perform well. And if we add the challenges that come with eLearning anyway, the problem can worsen. Consequently, exam anxiety in online learning affects students’ performance and, thus, their mental health as they might worry too much about their scores. With all this eventually comes burnout, lack of motivation, low self-esteem, and even no desire to prepare for online exams altogether.
As educators, you should spot the symptoms early on, but it’s best to be prepared to prevent them, if possible. Below, we’ll explore practical techniques to reduce stress and help your students battle exam anxiety in online learning.
7 Ways To Support Online Learners In Overcoming Exam Anxiety
1. Open Communication
Start by letting your students know that your online classroom is a safe space. You can use group chats, start discussion boards, or send private messages to encourage them to share their concerns or what is on their minds. Sometimes, students hesitate to speak up, especially in an online setting where they might feel distanced from their peers. But with simple questions like, “How do you feel about the upcoming exam?” or “How can I help?” you can make them more comfortable. It’s also helpful to normalize discussions about stress and anxiety. Share your own experiences (if you’re okay with this) or examples of how others have overcome similar challenges. This not only makes you more approachable but also reminds them they’re not alone and mental health isn’t a taboo topic.
2. Positive Learning Atmosphere
Your learners might feel the pressure of deadlines, schoolwork, and grades. And if we add the challenges of online learning, like tech issues or isolation, it’s easy to see why they might feel overwhelmed. That’s why focusing on effort rather than results can make a difference. When students feel their hard work is noticed and appreciated, it boosts their confidence and motivation. A simple “Great job!” or “I can see how much you worked on this” goes a long way. You can also celebrate milestones, no matter how small. Did they participate more in class discussions or understand a complex concept? Let them know. Recognition helps students feel seen and valued, which creates a safe and encouraging learning environment.
3. Establish Routines
When students know what to expect and when, it creates a sense of stability, which reduces stress and builds confidence. So, start by establishing a routine with a consistent schedule. For example, it can be live online lessons two days a week or assignment deadlines. When routines are structured, they can plan ahead and manage their time better without guessing. A great idea is to create weekly announcements or reminders to keep everyone on track. Don’t forget to be flexible, though. Be open to extending deadlines or offering alternative assignments in case someone needs them.
4. Encourage Peer Interaction
One of the biggest challenges of online learning is isolation. Thankfully, you can tackle this by creating breakout rooms in your video-conferencing apps and forums. Use breakout rooms during classes as a space for learners to exchange opinions and support with their classmates or collaborate on projects. Similarly, forums allow students to share resources, ask questions, and even express their frustration about any struggles. When students feel like they’re part of a team, exam anxiety doesn’t feel so big of a burden because it’s shared.
5. Prepare Them For Exams
One of the easiest ways to reduce exam anxiety in online learning is to ensure students are comfortable with the exam platform. Offer mock exams where they can navigate the software, test out features, and even troubleshoot potential issues. It’s also important to be as detailed as possible when providing exam instructions. So, walk them through the steps to log in, access the test, and submit their answers. Now, what’s stressing most people is technical issues. But fear not; if you address them early on, you’re safe from trouble. What you can do is share troubleshooting tips, like checking their internet connection or having another device ready. Plus, they should be able to contact IT support if something goes wrong. Most importantly, remind them that it’s okay to reach out for help, and if they encounter issues, it’s not the end of the world.
6. Stress Management Techniques
Stress during exam season can’t be entirely avoided, but as educators, you can offer your students strategies to manage it. First up, breathing techniques: teach your students to pause and take a few deep breaths. A quick breathing exercise before an exam can do wonders to calm their nerves. Physical activity can also alleviate stress. Suggest quick stretches they can do between study sessions or even a brisk walk. When it comes to the actual exam, teach them to solve easy questions first so they can gain confidence to address the tough ones later. Even if they feel overwhelmed during the test, they can take their time to focus and breathe, and always highlight that it’s okay even if they fail; they can try again.
7. Support Them Post-Exam
Your role as a supporter doesn’t end when the test ends. In fact, the post-exam phase is as crucial for building learner confidence. Keep in mind that you should focus on more than just the grades when giving them feedback about their results. Instead of pointing out what went wrong, highlight what they did well. Then, ask them to think about what worked well or what didn’t so they can improve for future exams. Lastly, don’t forget about one-on-one discussions. Some students might need extra support to battle anxiety or to better understand their performance. A quick chat is the perfect setting to listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and remind them that one exam doesn’t define who they are and what they can do.
Conclusion
Remember, small actions like encouraging words or being there to listen to your students can make a big difference in their battle against exam anxiety in online learning. A virtual learning environment may have its difficulties, but with your guidance and the right strategies in place, learners can overcome their fears, grow their confidence, and become better both academically and personally.