5 answers
sky
Student
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
7
Questions
Asked
1106 views
What is it called when you do good on every assignment except tests?
Hi, I'm Sky. I'm an 11th-grade student in Canada. I really struggle with tests. For example, on my quizzes, portfolios and labs in bio, I have all 80s and up, but then on my test, I got a 54. I don't understand why this happens as I study always, but it happens in every class. My English teacher from last year is convinced I have a learning disability, and I'm trying to get tested, but in the meantime. I'm attempting to get accommodations to have a Chromebook to type my quizzes and someone to read my questions to me in an alt setting. Basically just wondering if there's a name for what I'm struggling with or if theres anything this relates to.
Any help is appreciated
Sky
Login to comment
5 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sky !
In order for someone to diagnose you or tell you what is happening when you take tests, the right move is indeed to secure services as you say you are to be tested for a learning disability. You're also on the right track by requesting special accommodations at school.
In Canada, students with this need obtain the testing for a learning disability from registered psychologists, including school-based psychologists, neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists, or psychological associates who have specific training in psychoeducational assessments. This is a wonderful thing because if it ends up that you do not have a learning disability, you could also receive therapeutic counseling, talk therapy, from the same professional who had tested you. No one who doesn't know you who doesn't meet with you can tell you what "it's called". You'll need an accurate assessment, testing and conclusion from a professional.
Try to make an appointment soon, either at school or at community based services if you really want to discover what is happening. Some of the places in your community you can try are Bright Path Counselling, Le Marchant House Mental Health, Repose Wellness Collective - Elizabeth Avenue, Mindful Matters Counselling and Psychological Services, Insight Therapy & Assessment Services Inc., The Beacon Centre, CMHA Newfoundland & Labrador, and The Calm Place. Hopefully, you can get the learning ability testing right at your school.
What you would be going for is called a Psychoeducational Assessment. It's worth it if you really want answers. Your cognitive, academic, and emotional functioning will be tested. First, you are interviewed for your personal information and then your intellectual ability would be tested. Your academic achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics, memory, processing speed, attention, and executive functioning is tested. Another portion of the test is the assessment of your social, emotional, and behavioral functioning through clinical interviews with parents, teachers, and yourself as well as through questionnaires completed by those observing you in different settings. After that, a report and diagnosis is made. It's all worth it especially if you're starting to be concerned with why you're having a time taking tests in your classes. The only way to know "what it's called" or "what it relates to" is to go for the testing by the psychology professional. Then you'll know for sure.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
In order for someone to diagnose you or tell you what is happening when you take tests, the right move is indeed to secure services as you say you are to be tested for a learning disability. You're also on the right track by requesting special accommodations at school.
In Canada, students with this need obtain the testing for a learning disability from registered psychologists, including school-based psychologists, neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists, or psychological associates who have specific training in psychoeducational assessments. This is a wonderful thing because if it ends up that you do not have a learning disability, you could also receive therapeutic counseling, talk therapy, from the same professional who had tested you. No one who doesn't know you who doesn't meet with you can tell you what "it's called". You'll need an accurate assessment, testing and conclusion from a professional.
Try to make an appointment soon, either at school or at community based services if you really want to discover what is happening. Some of the places in your community you can try are Bright Path Counselling, Le Marchant House Mental Health, Repose Wellness Collective - Elizabeth Avenue, Mindful Matters Counselling and Psychological Services, Insight Therapy & Assessment Services Inc., The Beacon Centre, CMHA Newfoundland & Labrador, and The Calm Place. Hopefully, you can get the learning ability testing right at your school.
What you would be going for is called a Psychoeducational Assessment. It's worth it if you really want answers. Your cognitive, academic, and emotional functioning will be tested. First, you are interviewed for your personal information and then your intellectual ability would be tested. Your academic achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics, memory, processing speed, attention, and executive functioning is tested. Another portion of the test is the assessment of your social, emotional, and behavioral functioning through clinical interviews with parents, teachers, and yourself as well as through questionnaires completed by those observing you in different settings. After that, a report and diagnosis is made. It's all worth it especially if you're starting to be concerned with why you're having a time taking tests in your classes. The only way to know "what it's called" or "what it relates to" is to go for the testing by the psychology professional. Then you'll know for sure.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Okay thank you so much!’ Unfortunately the only way for me to get tested is to go through school or go private which costs thousands. That we know of and according to my paediatrician. My moms a healthcare worker so we are going to see if there’s anything that her union or insurance will cover.
sky
You are welcome for the advice, Sky !
Michelle M.
Malvena Nwakanma, MBA, BA
Payroll Specialist
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Malvena’s Answer
Hi Sky,
I used to have issues like this too.. It's called test anxiety.
Symptoms of test anxiety may include:
Mental stress: The mind "goes blank," making it difficult to recall information you know you studied. This can be triggered by a fear of failure, extreme pressure, or negative self-talk.
Physical symptoms: These can include a rapid heartbeat, nausea, clammy hands, or shortness of breath.
We learn differently from others and need to find what works for us. I learn more by doing or seeing the thing often, or writing the questions and answers on queue cards.. Also, try looking for keywords or objects that stand out to you and focus on those. You can also try taking breaks between studying, take 3 deep breaths (in through the mouth, hold for 3 seconds, and then exhale through the mouth, or watch or listen to things that help to calm your mind and radiate positivity before the test.
Hope this helps, and wish you all the best!
I used to have issues like this too.. It's called test anxiety.
Symptoms of test anxiety may include:
Mental stress: The mind "goes blank," making it difficult to recall information you know you studied. This can be triggered by a fear of failure, extreme pressure, or negative self-talk.
Physical symptoms: These can include a rapid heartbeat, nausea, clammy hands, or shortness of breath.
We learn differently from others and need to find what works for us. I learn more by doing or seeing the thing often, or writing the questions and answers on queue cards.. Also, try looking for keywords or objects that stand out to you and focus on those. You can also try taking breaks between studying, take 3 deep breaths (in through the mouth, hold for 3 seconds, and then exhale through the mouth, or watch or listen to things that help to calm your mind and radiate positivity before the test.
Hope this helps, and wish you all the best!
Thank you so much!!!😊
sky
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Sky. What you're describing (doing well on assignments and quizzes but struggling on tests) is actually very common, and there are a few possible explanations. One possibility is test anxiety. This happens when someone gets very nervous or stressed during a test, which can affect memory, focus, and problem-solving. Even if you know the material well, anxiety can make it hard to show what you've learned.
Another possibility could be a learning disability or processing issue, like a reading or writing disorder (such as dyslexia) or a processing speed issue. These don't mean you're not smart, they just mean your brain works in a different way, and you may need tools to help you show your knowledge. Since your former teacher mentioned this and you're in the process of getting tested, you're already on the right track.
The support you're asking for, like typing on a Chromebook, having questions read to you, and testing in a different setting, are common accommodations for students who have learning differences. These can make a big difference and are often used while students are being evaluated or waiting for a diagnosis.
You're not alone, and getting the right support can help you succeed not just in school, but beyond it. You're doing the right thing by speaking up and seeking answers. Wish you all the best.
Another possibility could be a learning disability or processing issue, like a reading or writing disorder (such as dyslexia) or a processing speed issue. These don't mean you're not smart, they just mean your brain works in a different way, and you may need tools to help you show your knowledge. Since your former teacher mentioned this and you're in the process of getting tested, you're already on the right track.
The support you're asking for, like typing on a Chromebook, having questions read to you, and testing in a different setting, are common accommodations for students who have learning differences. These can make a big difference and are often used while students are being evaluated or waiting for a diagnosis.
You're not alone, and getting the right support can help you succeed not just in school, but beyond it. You're doing the right thing by speaking up and seeking answers. Wish you all the best.
Suganthi Kanagaraj
Research and Scientific communications
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Suganthi’s Answer
Hi Sky,
I hope everything is going well with you.
I read your question, and I noticed that you usually get good grades in quizzes and labs. It seems you might feel a bit nervous during tests, which could be affecting your scores. Before taking a test, try to relax — drink some water, practice pranayama (deep breathing) three times, and then begin the test calmly.
Wishing you all success!
I hope everything is going well with you.
I read your question, and I noticed that you usually get good grades in quizzes and labs. It seems you might feel a bit nervous during tests, which could be affecting your scores. Before taking a test, try to relax — drink some water, practice pranayama (deep breathing) three times, and then begin the test calmly.
Wishing you all success!
Thank you so much!!!
sky
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Sky,
That is very interesting how you do good on every assignment you do and don't do well on the tests. I feel like this might be linked to test anxiety or being a bad test-taker. I would definitely reach out to the appropriate resources like a specialist and school to figure out if you can get accommodations for your test. I don't know if you are ever nervous when it comes to your exams or if it is linked to something else? Hope this was helpful and hope you get better grades on your exam!
That is very interesting how you do good on every assignment you do and don't do well on the tests. I feel like this might be linked to test anxiety or being a bad test-taker. I would definitely reach out to the appropriate resources like a specialist and school to figure out if you can get accommodations for your test. I don't know if you are ever nervous when it comes to your exams or if it is linked to something else? Hope this was helpful and hope you get better grades on your exam!
Thank you!!!
sky