Motivation and Learning Strategies for College Success : A Self-management Approach

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EXAMPLES OF SELF-MANAGEMENT STUDIES 317

Date: Wednesday 11/4

Setting: Computer lab: typing peer review rough draft for English due

the next day

Self-talk: Anxiety and Worry—“How am I going to do this?” etc.

Strategy: None.

Date: Thursday 11/5

Setting: Dorm—studying for my math quiz

Self-talk: “I’ll never pass this quiz.”

Strategy: None.

Date: Monday 11/9

Setting: Class during my Arts of Asia exam

Self-talk: nervous worrier—although I studied well, I was very nega-

tive and I worried about my performance.

Strategy: None.

Comments: I find myself full of anxiety and negative self-talk. I do

not use positive self-talk.

Activity 2: Explore Anxiety-Producing Situations in School

The following is a list of items the student indicated she identified

with:

a. Worry about performance

I should have reviewed more. I’ll never get through.

My mind is blank, I’ll never get the answer. I must really be stu-

pid.

I knew this stuff yesterday. What is wrong with me?

I can’t remember a thing. This always happens to me.

b. Worry about bodily reactions

I’m sweating all over—it’s really hot in here.

My stomach is going crazy, churning and jumping all over.

Here it comes—I’m getting really tense again. Normal people

just don’t get like this.

c. Worry about how others are doing.

I know everyone’s doing better than I am.

I must be the dumbest one in the group.

I am going to be the last one done again. I must be really stupid.

No one else seems to be having trouble. Am I the only one?