Seven Winning Strategies For Exam Time
We are almost at the midyear mark and that means for many students exam time is here again. Many students cope well with exam stress, but for others this time of year can be filled with tension and worry. Which makes one wonder does exam time always have to be stressful and disruptive? One thing we know is that a positive mindset is important in times of stress - this counts for parents too! Because stressed parents make children also feel stressed. Here are seven winning strategies for students and parents:
FOR STUDENTS
Plan and divide the work - Put together a study timetable. In the weeks leading up to the exams it is important to alternate between subjects to prevent yourself from becoming bored. Ideally, at least two weeks before the exams ensure you have completed your summaries on each subject. Don’t try and force yourself to study everything in one go, but take time to divide your work in subjects, chapters or number of pages.
Study everything - Try not to leave anything out. Study everything but review the most important sections when you have time.
Get your study environment organised - Even though you might be tempted, don’t study in your bed, but sit at a desk with a good chair. Adequate and appropriate lighting is also a must for successful studying, and as most of us know background Baroque music enhances the brain’s ability to take in information.
Eat healthy, drink enough water and exercise - Eating healthy not only helps us feel better, but also increases our productivity. Where possible, opt for fruits, vegetables and wholegrains. Ensure you also drink enough water as this may enhance mental performance and concentration. Exercise is vitally important for study performance. Studies show that exercise increases our heart rate which in turn increases the oxygen supply to our brain - which increases the development of brain cells responsible for learning and memory.
Ensure you get enough sleep - Everyone knows the importance of sleep, and whether you are a morning or evening person you need to ensure you are getting enough sleep - preferably eight hours every night! Sleep before a study session prepares the brain to take in new information, and sleep after a study session helps consolidate information, and improves recall later on.
Stay positive - Positivity and optimism is important. Think of your brain as a computer that needs to be programmed - program it with messages like “I know my work”, “I have a wonderful brain”, “I can feel at ease over my exams”. Don’t allow negative thoughts to ‘nest’ in your brain. On the day of the exam, also try and avoid talking to fellow students about the paper ahead, as this can sometimes make you feel uneasy and panicky.
Plan your time - When you receive your exam paper, do take five minutes to read through the paper at the start, and also allow five minutes to look through your answers when you are done. Some students also find it useful to divide the remaining time allocated by the number of total marks to figure out how much time they can spend on each mark. Another strategy is to answer all the shorter one-mark questions first, then move on to answering questions that require one to two sentences and lastly complete the essay questions. Also, if you get stuck, make a little line or note on the question and come back to it later. If there is time, try and go back to any unanswered questions, and trust your instinct. Try not to leave any questions unanswered and make time at the end to go through your answers.
Don’t look at others around you, and try and remain calm if you are struggling - take a deep breath, and try one of the following relaxation exercises: Tense all the muscles in your body together, hold it for five seconds and relax (do this a few times and you will literally feel how the tension in your body starts easing); > Visualise yourself in a place or doing something that makes you feel relaxed, take 10 deep breaths, in through your nose & out through your mouth.
FOR PARENTS
Stay Calm
Have a look at your child’s exam roster and help your child with planning their time.
Ensure your child has everything they need and keep the household environment as peaceful as possible.
Ensure there are healthy food options available at home, and even if your child is older ask them if you can bring them a cup of tea or a healthy snack.
Encourage exercise and enough sleep.
Stay Positive and Optimistic (now is not the time to comment on how little they have studied, or to compare them to their siblings, or to tell them they will never get a good job INSTEAD rather say “This is the last stretch before the holidays - I have faith in you that you can do it”; “I know you can”; “Can I help you prepare or do you need me to ask you questions about the work you have studied”; “I am here for you no matter what”.
Plan with your child (and other family members) for a couple of hours of relaxation - something to look forward to during the exam period.