Overcome Those Mental Blocks

Have you ever "frozen" when taking a test? You remember how it feels your hands start to shake, sweat beads begin to form on your brow, and you completely forget everything you studied.

Don't feel bad - these mental blocks occasionally happen to almost everyone. How do you overcome these blocks? Better yet, how do you help your student overcome these mental blocks?

First, it is important to understand why these mental blocks occur, according to Dr. Jim Thomas, a Ponca City (Okla.) clinical psychologist. Many factors, ranging from simple fear of failing the test to anxiety from grief, depression, sickness, or family crisis may influence a student's performance.

How do you recognize a student with a possible mental block? "There are several signs to watch for," says Thomas. "Perhaps you notice them daydreaming or talking to themselves. This could indicate anxiety or fear." Anxiety and fear interrupt the thinking process, limiting the ability to perform a certain line of mental activity. Because math and science demand a clear mind set, these are often the first disciplines to be affected by anxiety. Here are a few suggestions for helping your students through this anxiety.

Teachers:

"Try to get your students in the 'here and now.' Encourage them to ignore the past and future for the moment, and concentrate on the present," Thomas says. "By focusing on the classroom while they are there, students can do something for themselves.

"Smaller classrooms help you to focus on each individual student, but if that is not possible, spend time one-on-one with them," he says. "Being physically close to the student will help them focus on you and on the present."

Parents:

"Take every opportunity to be with your child," Thomas says. "Make learning and studying a family project - don't send your child to his room to study."

"Study with your children; ask questions about their schoolwork. And remember that many kids have short attention spans - so spend 15 minutes or so on each topic."