Many students are all too familiar with the sound of a silent classroom with only the sounds of pencils scratching paper and chairs squeaking intermittently, as they and their classmates frantically fill out pages of questions testing their knowledge. What can be done to make testing a less stressful experience and a more successful one?
Fourth-year Vivianna Vigil, a Calculus 1 tutor at the Cooperative Learning Center (CLC) at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), discussed helpful and productive testing tips for students.
“I like to emphasize that cramming is not the answer,” Vigil said. “Students should make a schedule to study for all of their exams and incorporate meaningful breaks in between.”
According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety severely affected 41.6 percent of college students in 2013. With a return to campus after online education during the pandemic, students are likely even more affected by anxiety now.
“Study for exams, but prioritize your mental health and wellbeing, and eat a good meal before,” advised Vigil.
Students looking for help with exam preparation can visit the CLC online or in-person at the CSUMB library. The hours of the CLC according to the CSUMB website are as follows:
The Cooperative Learning Center will be physically open in Fall, with front desk staff available and welcoming students into our office:
- Monday & Wednesday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Tuesday & Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday: noon to 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 4 to 7 p.m.
Session times will vary during our open hours. We will also have a variety of virtual sessions available via Zoom.
“Begin your test with a clear and positive mind, you got this,” Vigil said.