Multi-dimensional Test Anxiety Scale (MTAS)

Supporting Secondary School Students to Overcome Test Anxiety

Are your secondary school students struggling with the pressure of exams? The Multi-Dimensional Test Anxiety Scale (MTAS) is an expertly designed tool to help schools understand and address test anxiety in older students.

With the increased academic demands in secondary education, particularly during exam seasons, it’s crucial to identify and mitigate the impact of test anxiety. The MTAS focuses on how anxiety manifests across key dimensions:

• Cognitive Factors: Explore how worry and negative thoughts such as fear of failure, impact focus and performance.
• Behavioural Indicators: Identify concentration challenges and physical signs of stress, such as muscle tension or restlessness.
• Physiological Responses: Measure physical symptoms like a racing heart, stomach discomfort, or trembling hands.

Sample Questions and Practical Applications

• “Before a test/exam, I feel nervous.”
  This question highlights pre-exam anxiety and can help schools implement mindfulness and relaxation exercises to ease tension
• “During tests/exams, I find it hard to concentrate.”
  This question identifies focus-related challenges, providing insight into how schools can teach grounding techniques or create supportive testing environments

Why Use the MTAS in Your School?

By using the MTAS, your school can:

• Understand how test anxiety affects students’ thoughts, behaviours, and physical wellbeing.
• Identify those who may need additional support before high-stakes exams like GCSEs or A-levels.
• Develop targeted interventions to help students perform to their full potential.

Don’t let test anxiety hinder your students’ success. The Multi-Dimensional Test Anxiety Scale offers a clear, evidence-based way to empower students and improve outcomes.

Take the first step today! Contact us to learn how the MTAS can transform exam preparation and performance in your school.

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