With the end of semester nearing that fearful time and one of stress for many students, Exam Week suddenly appears. Feeling anxious or nervous about an exam should not be seen as a negative, but rather a sign that as a student you are wanting to do your best. Unfortunately, the stress often appears as a result of feeling unprepared. Understandably the thought of a big exam or test is enough to make even the most focused of students a little uneasy but there are a number of strategies that can be implemented to go into this period feeling more confident and prepared.
Start revision early and set some time aside regularly. Don’t procrastinate!
It is not possible to revise and learn the entire content the night before the test and cramming rarely works. Plan some time each day for revision and stick to it.
Use a variety of methods to organise your study notes. Make it interesting so you will remember it.
Find a strategy that works for you. Re-reading and copying notes may not be the best method for your own success. Consider creative and visual ways to organise your notes such as graphic organisers, pictures, questioning or flash cards. There are a number of excellent study tools and ideas that can be found online.
Seek assistance from your teacher, early!
Ask your teacher for any revision pages or old exams early. Remember, a revision sheet provided by a teacher is only a guide for what could be in the test. You should prepare in other ways also.
Review your Canvas Class Tasks page.
All work and content should be in class tasks. If you not sure about having learnt or covered it through absence, go back through these lessons to check.
Avoid distractions and reward yourself regularly.
During your study time try to minimise the distractions, particularly technology and phones. Reward yourself with short periods of time to access these or by doing something you enjoy following study periods.
Look after yourself
Make sure you are getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water and eating well. Avoid late night cramming sessions.
Stay calm
Try to stay calm and breathe during the exam when feeling stressed. Don’t be afraid to move on from a question and return to it later, often there is something later in the test which might help you answer it.
Undoubtedly exams can be stressful and are definitely something that you may prefer not to do but, with a little preparation and focus they can be managed for success. For further information take a look at the following information provided by the State Library of Victoria. http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/learn-skills/study-skills
Good luck to all students with their final exams and the end of semester.
Dale Argall
Teaching and Learning Coordinator