What role does test anxiety play in student performance during the PAG Extension?

Test anxiety typically plays a significant role in how students perform during assessments like the PAG Extension. When students experience test anxiety, their heightened stress levels can hinder their ability to think clearly, recall information, and engage with the material effectively. As a result, this emotional and psychological state often leads to decreased performance.

Students feeling anxious may struggle with concentration and may find it difficult to articulate their knowledge, even if they are well-prepared. This potential for negative impact is well-documented in educational psychology, where the connection between anxiety and performance is recognized as a critical factor in student assessments. Thus, understanding the influence of test anxiety is essential for educators and students alike to develop strategies for coping and improving performance in testing situations.