Why do I fail on tests and not Homework???

Question

I do well on my homework and then not so well on tests... I don't know why. What do I do?

Answer 1

JK,

 

If you are doing well on your homework, you are capable of doing well on your tests.  Most teachers will not try to trick you on a test, so do not assume that such is the case.  My advice is take a deep breath before even looking at the first question on the test.  Understand that you do know the material and you can do well.

 

 If your test includes an essay, a very good practice is to read the essay question first, and then complete the rest of your test.  Your brain is a very powerful tool, and it will be processing that question while you answer your other test questions.  Once you get to the essay, which typically carries more weight than the other questions, you will have a clearer understanding of what you will write.  

 

Treat your test like you do your homework--don't sweat it!  Tests can be scary because they have time limits and teachers love to put a lot of pressure on students before an exam.  Don't be intimidated.  Use your time wisely, but don't rush.  It is better to be finishing your exam at the bell than to rush through it and make avoidable mistakes. 

 

Good luck!

 

 

 

Answer 2

Hi JK;

I had a similar issue in school.  It haunted me throughout my grammar school years, as well as my first two years of college.  During the second half of college, it was not a problem because I was no longer taking exams but rather writing term papers.

 

I had issues with French, economics, and anthropology.  I majored in anthropology.  Because of my active class participation and demonstration of knowledge in all three subjects, the instructors knew that the exams results made no sense.

 

A few years after I finished school, I was employed as a cashier in a supermarket.  Eventually, I was invited to work in the office as a clerk.  One morning, the head bookkeeper was teaching me how to execute the daily cash report.  I was working at the adding machine, at a very fast, normal pace.  I suddenly slowed down and started making many mistakes.  She immediately noticed this.

 

She said, "Vivian, you are thinking.  Do not think.  There is nothing to think about here."

 

I stopped thinking and returned to my normal speed.  A few years later, I put all of the pieces together.

 

IF THERE IS NOTHING TO THINK ABOUT, DO NOT THINK.

Answer 3

Dear  JK,

 

Please imagine  that you are going to  do better while you wait for the counselor/psychologist to help you. Your positive thinking is going to influence your performance in a positive manner.  

Answer 4

Dear JK,

 

There is a well-known phenomenon called test anxiety.  My guess is that you are so afraid of doing poorly on tests that you DO do poorly, closing the loop on a self-fulfilling prophecy.  I know how frustrated you must feel, especially after doing well on your homework.  Unfortunately, I am not a trained counselor.  Perhaps you could induce your parents to take you to a trained counselor/psychologist who can give you advice on conquering this anxiety.

 

I wish I could do more.