Test Anxiety: A Political Problem, An Alternative View

Authors

  • Rey A. Carr

Abstract

The conceptual framework expressed by Deffenbacher (1977) in his article "Test Anxiety: The Problem" is challenged and described as being inadequatefor a thorough understanding of test anxiety. The present article describes test anxiety as a political problem needing preventive counselling strategies rather than remedial corrective approaches. Testing and evaluation are seen as tools of oppression and a means to express power and authority in educational settings. By assuming that test anxiety is the student's problem, school counsellors contribute to the problem by facilitating a student's guilt. Counsellors may work to eliminate the problem through consulting with faculty, acting as student advocates, and publicly affirming research findings on humanistic growth.

 

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Published

2012-02-28

How to Cite

Carr, R. A. (2012). Test Anxiety: A Political Problem, An Alternative View. Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy, 11(2). Retrieved from https://dev.journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/rcc/article/view/60097

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Section

Articles/ Articles