What is "test fatigue" and how can it affect students?

Test fatigue is a phenomenon that occurs when students experience mental and physical exhaustion from prolonged periods of testing or extensive studying for exams. This fatigue can lead to decreased concentration, diminished retention of material, and overall poorer performance on assessments. When students are fatigued, their cognitive functions, such as memory recall and critical thinking abilities, may suffer, resulting in lower test scores and a hindered learning experience.

The notion that test fatigue is just a myth overlooks the substantial research and anecdotal evidence that shows many students struggle to maintain peak performance after an extended period of testing. This can also occur in various academic settings and is not isolated to a specific time frame like finals week. Knowing how test fatigue can affect students emphasizes the importance of balancing assessment schedules and providing adequate breaks to help maintain students' mental well-being and ensure they can perform to the best of their abilities.