Tests, especially achievement tests, motivate students to study and review more often. Many parents and teachers believe that students work harder in learning their subjects when they know that they will be tested on them. Students also feel proud of themselves when they score well on their achievement or aptitude tests. Those who do well in their tests are generally admired by their peers and are given recognition by their schools. As a result, this improves the students' level of self-esteem.
Learning is a major goal of students at school. The only way to measure the students' level of learning is through graded achievement and aptitude tests. Therefore, it is every student's goal to achieve high scores in their tests. As a result, testing teaches students that they need to work hard to achieve their goals. Getting good results through hard work helps students associate their personal efforts with rewards. Conversely, if they fail, it shows them that there is a consequence in taking things for granted.
Anxiety is the most common negative effect of aptitude and achievement tests. Failure can bring shame and embarrassment to the student, especially if parents and teachers have high expectations. Students who continually get low test scores can be labelled stupid or unintelligent. Therefore, many students are afraid of failing their tests. Some even report physical symptoms such cold sweats, headaches and increased heart rates before their exams.
Not all children learn at the same pace and in the same way, so as a result some students fail or receive a low score on standardized aptitude and achievement tests. This makes some students frustrated, especially if they think that they worked hard to prepare themselves for a test. As a result, the students lose their enthusiasm for learning. It also gives them low self-esteem that can possibly lead to many problems such as misbehaviour in class or becoming socially withdrawn.