The United States Embassy invites you to attend one of three seminars on the roots of students’ testing anxiety. The presenter will be celebrated psychologist, Dr. Mark Bolden. The seminars will be held on:
 
Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 12:00 noon
Montego Bay Conference Centre, Rose Hall, Montego Bay
 
Thursday, April 12, 2012, 10:00 a.m.
Cardiff Hotel & Spa (Runaway Bay HEART Hotel)
8 Ricketts Avenue, Cardiff Hall, Runaway Bay, St. Ann
 
Friday, April 13, 2012, 10:00 a.m.
Shortwood Teachers’ College, Marjorie Myers Hall
77 Shortwood Road, Kingston 8
 
This interactive workshop will provide a practical approach to reduce stress and anxiety associated with high-stakes testing for Jamaican primary and secondary students. Research on anxiety and stress from Jamaican students will be covered. Participants will learn the neuropsychological, physiological, and cultural correlates of stress and anxiety, and how anxiety impacts students’ test performance. In order to counter the negative effects of stress and anxiety, participants will be introduced to mindfulness techniques and brain-based research that will help students regain their confidence and succeed on these tests. Cultural considerations will be offered for Jamaican teachers and their students.
 
Dr. Bolden holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in African Psychology. He provides psychotherapy in Washington, DC to youth and families. He is a past board member of the Association of Black Psychologists and President of the Washington, DC Chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists. He has published several articles and chapters on race-related stress, coping, spirituality, and quality of life among people of African descent.