Experience of test anxiety among university students

The work of assessing students' learning is complex. In order to assess their work objectively, teachers and instructors use various test techniques, methods and instruments. Though the causes of test anxiety are many and varied, understanding them could greatly help bring the rather perturbing test anxiety situation among students under control. The general aim of this study is to identify the degree of test anxiety among students from higher education institutions in the Republic of Macedonia. The research was carried out using adapted questionnaire for university students. Questionnaires contained a combination of closed-type questions and a scale for measuring exam anxiety among students. According to the results of research, test anxiety gives rise to physical and psychological problems as well. It affects motivation, concentration and achievement negatively, increases errors during the exam, creates problems recalling the material previously learned and prevents efficient study. Creating a low-stress environment allows students to concentrate on the test rather than being distracted by test anxiety. It is especially important to talk about this topic because test anxiety has many negative consequences on the physical and mental health of students and their academic achievement.