The MCA’s bring many anxieties. The biggest is usually test anxiety, but it comes with so many other worries. With these in mind and the test on Tuesday and Wednesday teachers around Buffalo High School give advice on how to move past the tough problems.
Freshman face the writing test, while the prompt given is usually made to be easy to write to. Other times the prompt is hard to write to, or one that you might not like. English Teacher Laura Hauer has a solution that only takes 10 minutes of testing time.
“Remember first of all that you don’t always have to answer it in a positive way,” said Hauer, “you have to answer it in a well supported way. As long as you are supporting what you have. Give yourself 10 minutes to just write, I hate this stupid prompt, blah blah blah. Eventually your brain will get tired of you complaining and you will figure out how to answer the prompt.”
Everyone has taken that math test where they stare at a problem and go I know I know how to do this, but I have no idea how to do it.
“I usually try to narrow it down if it’s multiple choice,” said Math Teacher Stacy Eggers. “Before I guess. If it’s math you can usually plug them in and try to find the answer. I think the formula sheet can. If it’s a problem and I will check over the formula sheet. Like if the problems about a cylinder I’ll check over to see if there is anything to help me.”
Other people face test anxiety with every test. Social Studies teacher Brigitta Bergquist remembers when she took tests like the ACT’s and gives tips that she used.
“In an uncomfortable testing place I would try to focus on the test,” said Bergquist. “I’m also pretty convinced that I am allergic to standardized tests because I was always the annoying person who coughed and sneezed.So if you are that person bring your own kleenexes dress in layers. That way you can adjust. Don’t sneeze on the person next to you. Or cough on them.”
