You can help ESL students overcome test anxiety in three ways: get them to practice English outside class, explain exactly what the test will look like, and help them see that a test is not the end of the world.
Every ESL teacher wants their students to do well on tests and pass the course with flying colors. Reality, of course, often differs from expectations: even the brightest students can fail a test badly.
One reason is that many ESL students find tests intimidating, especially when the English course is part of their work requirements. This test anxiety affects their results, because they cannot perform at their best. These simple steps help reduce it.
Do more than attend classes
Attending classes is only a small part of learning. If you want your students to master English, encourage them to practice it everywhere: speak English whenever they can, write their journals or diaries in English, and find English-speaking online communities about topics they enjoy, where they can ask and answer questions. All of these activities prepare them for tests much better than attending classes alone. Self-learning tips for ESL students has more ideas you can pass on.
"But most of my students don't even come to every class, because their work keeps them busy."
Don't be disheartened. As you just read, students can practice their English anywhere. If you feel that some students have missed too many classes, ask them to make up for it by actively practicing their English outside class.
Explain the test structure
When students prepare for one type of test and then face a completely different one, anxiety is unavoidable. As a teacher, it is your job to let your students know what to expect.
Will the test have multiple-choice questions, an essay, or both? Is there a listening part? Which subjects will it cover? Put everything on the table so that your students can prepare well.
If the test includes correcting the spelling and grammar mistakes in a paragraph, for example, give your students practice tests to do at home. They can correct each paragraph themselves first and then compare their corrections with what the Spell Checker finds, to see whether they have got the hang of it.
Help them put the test into perspective
Nobody wants to fail a test, but failing is not the end of the world. When students make a test bigger than it is, they feed their anxiety even more. Make sure that your students understand this before they take the test.
Test results are not everything for ESL students. If your students can communicate fluently in English at work and wherever else they need the language, they are doing well. Shy students may need extra encouragement; these tips on helping shy ESL students can help.