Exam preparation
Thinking about exams and tests can be pretty daunting. However, there are many things that students can do, from managing time and stress, building healthy habits and routines and understanding their own learning needs which all lead to studying smarter, not harder. Below are several suggestions to help students prepare for exams, how to study and most importantly, how to look after themselves during the exam period.
Ditch the distractions
Put your phone on silent mode and place it out of reach. Check it every 45 minutes or when you take a break. Notifications, calls, texts, emails and the urge to check social media will really impact on your exam preparation.
Test yourself
Practice questions, past exam papers, tests, quizzlets – the most effective way of learning is by doing. Rather than spending hours passively reading rules and textbooks, put your knowledge to the test. Regularly quizzing yourself will reinforce your memories, helping you to recall information during the exam.
Reward yourself
We all know studying can sometimes get pretty boring. Make sure you block out time for the things and people you love. A healthy balance between study and play is great for your motivation and productivity levels.
Start early
Cramming a Term or two’s worth of learnings into a night or two is no way to achieve your best result. Instead, start preparing well before the exam. Whether its daily reading, note-taking or self-quizzing, preparing in advance will stop you from feeling overwhelmed and keep those night-before freak-outs away.
Learn to prioritise
It’s often easier to study your favourite subject or topic. However, for quality revision time, begin with subjects you’re not as familiar with or you find difficult to wrap your head around. Focusing on the tricky topics first and allocating them more time will give your brain a chance to let the information sink in.
Be organised
Life can get busy, and often study can become less of a priority due to competing demands. To avoid feeling underprepared, create a study timetable and stick to it. Use time-management apps, calendars, diaries, to-do lists or virtual whiteboards to help you add structure to your days, remember exams dates and stay on schedule. Include downtime and times to socialise, as these help you rest and re-charge.
Master memory techniques
The secret to retaining and recalling information is finding memory techniques that work for you. Using associations, sketches or acronyms next to facts, figures and chapters you find difficult to remember will help spark your memory.
Take notes
With a pen and paper. The physical act of writing requires the brain to be active during the note-taking process as it focuses on producing the shapes of each letter. So, when you re-read your handwritten notes, it triggers memories of the information having been processed before. Hand writing your notes is also great practice for exams, as it’s just pen and paper come exam day.
Stay active
Our brains need oxygen to function properly, and the best way to get that oxygen-rich blood pumping to it is with exercise. Run, walk, swim, surf, dance – find your release and your brain will thank you. Allow plenty of time for outdoor activities, socialising and exercising to get those endorphins flowing. When the body releases these feel-good chemicals, it also releases stress.
Eat well
If you want to show up to exams firing on all cylinders, fuel your brain with healthy food. Nourish your insides to supercharge your energy levels and maintain focus. And don’t skip meals – that will only lead to irritability and reduced attention span.
Get sleep
Quality sleep is crucial. Get the recommended eight to ten hours of sleep each night to reset your brain.
You can find more information HERE on preparing for exams.
If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing that you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your child’s Pastoral Mentor, Year Level Co-ordinator, or the Counselling Team – Natalie Maguire and Ewa Oaten.
Natalie Maguire and Ewa Oaten | School Counsellors
