Effects of stress on college students’ test scores

1.

EFFECTS OF STRESS ON COLLEGE STUDENTS’
TEST SCORES
SHAKHZODA MUSOEVA, ORENBURG STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY

2.

The aim of this research was:
to investigate the impact of test anxiety
on students' test scores;
to identify its root causes;
provide beneficial recommendations to
decrease test anxiety.
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3.

The key purpose of this research is to begin addressing the
following questions:
What is stress, and how does it occur?
How does academic stress affect students’ well-being?
What are ways to alleviate it?
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4.

We developed and tested a scale to assess academic
stress and its various causes.
A group of undergraduate students from Orenburg State
Pedagogical University participated in our study.
They were asked to complete an anxiety test scale
followed by a series of questions regarding their stress
levels and their experiences during exams.
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5.

THE MAIN SOURCES OF STRESS
Tests, examinations, grades, career choices,
low grades, staying up late at night, academic
overloads, increased expectations from family
members and fear related to failure are
considered the main sources of stress.
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6.

DEFINITIONS OF STRESS
Subjective responses that indicate an inner mental state of tension
and excitement are classified as stress. This condition is regarded as
emotions, defensive reactions, and overcoming processes occurring
on the intrapersonal level.
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7.

Bodrov V. defines stress as a functional
disruption of the body and psyche stemming from
exposure to psychogenic factors, rather than
solely physical elements, highlighting cognitive
processes and problem-solving abilities.
Stress is a reaction to the characteristics of the
relationship between the individual and the
outside world rather than to the physical
elements of the circumstance.
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8.

FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANXIETY
BEFORE EXAMS
The pressure to succeed and meet high academic expectations. Students often
perceive exams as high-stakes situations where their performance will determine
their future prospects, such as scholarships, job opportunities, or graduate school
admissions.
Excessive amounts of stress can impair cognitive processes such as attention,
memory, and problem-solving abilities.
Stress can lead to decreased motivation in learning activities, and increased
procrastination, which can subsequently hinder academic achievement.
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9.

WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS BEFORE AN EXAM
One approach is to provide students with stress management and coping skills.
Teaching students techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness,
and time management can help them better manage their stress levels and
enhance their overall well-being.
Encouraging a supportive and inclusive school environment can also alleviate
stress among students by fostering positive relationships and reducing feelings of
solitude.
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10.

METHODS
The study was conducted at the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Orenburg
State Pedagogical University.
The subjects in the study consisted of 58 students majoring in English and
German languages and Pedagogy: 21 were male and 37 were female.
Their ages varied from 17 to 23, with a mean of 20.
The group consisted of 9 first-year, 11 second-year, 14 third-year, and 24
fourth-year students.
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11.

FINDINGS
The findings of our research revealed that test
anxiety significantly impacted a large number of
students. More than half of the respondents
reported being affected by anxiety and stress,
with females reporting significantly higher levels
of stress compared to males.
This indicates that stress and anxiety are
prevalent among college students and should not
be overlooked.
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12.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR ATTENTION!
28.08.2023