Exams are an important part of student life and are a key measure of academic performance. But they are a source of great stress for so many students. The course material aside, pressure from parents, teachers and peers to perform at the highest level can elevate the stress to crisis proportions. Fortunately, however, we’ve come up with the following key strategies to assist you so that rather than worry about your grades, you can make a strong commitment to properly prepare for your tests and likely achieve excellent results.

Use Your Time Wisely

Time management skills are crucial to achieving academic success. Students who delay studying until just before a test will rarely earn the grades they desire. Cramming is a definite no-no and will only result in increased anxiety on exam day. This practice will most likely result in failure because there is just too much information to be absorbed by the brain in too little time. Do not cram! Instead, manage your time throughout the school term so study becomes part of your daily routine.

Have Some Fun!

Make a schedule to include homework, study and recreational activities, and stick to it. Sports, hobbies or reading are beneficial to your overall well-being but ensure these activities don’t take up too much time. One may also choose to watch TV for an hour after school, which helps with unwinding and relaxing.

Study Regularly

Exam preparation always begins on day 1. If students keep abreast of their notes consistently, closer to the exam there should be few, if any issues. This is where the study schedule becomes important. My personal recommendation is for students to set aside at least 30-45 minutes each morning before school, or at school prior to the start of classes, to review coursework. The brain is much better equipped to process and remember material at early morning since it would have rested the night before. Do not study for more than 45 minutes at a time though; it is difficult for your brain to concentrate and assimilate information for longer than this period. Take breaks while studying.

Keep Good Notes

Taking notes is an important strategy for exam success. Even if notes are given at school, try to paraphrase them and write your own. As you go over your work, use as many sources as possible to ensure your notes are comprehensive. Additionally, choose to hand write rather than type these notes as writing has been found to be more effective for memory. When reviewing material, have a notepad close by so you can jot down questions and then be sure to have them answered.

Look Over Your Work

Always review past assignments and tests by highlighting your areas of weaknesses and spending extra time on those sections. Students who are studying the sciences must allocate time to practise their drawings in order to build their skill and confidence.

Review the Syllabus

Check and recheck your course syllabi. Teachers are sometimes unable to cover every aspect of the syllabus but this should not be an excuse for poor performance. If a topic has not been taught, use the systems available to you such as textbooks, libraries and online resources to learn the material.

Boost Your Memory

Mnemonic devices refer to techniques that aid in the recall of information and may include abbreviations, acronyms, rhymes, etc. For example, in chemistry ‘OIL RIG’ is often used to help students remember ‘oxidation is loss and reduction is gain’. These methods are useful to many students so make up your own devices to help in those areas you have difficulty remembering.

Attend All Your Classes

Students, do not miss your classes unless it is totally unavoidable due to illness or a major crisis. When in class, listen to your teacher keenly and do not be afraid to ask questions.

Take Care of Yourself

Not getting sleep is the biggest mistake students make during exams. Sleeping is NOT a waste of time; it is an important period for refuelling your brain. Make an effort to get between six and eight hours of sleep each night, especially during the week leading up to your exam. In addition to resting, you must also eat well. One should choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Avoid junk food.

Relax!

Anxiety is a natural human emotion so it should be expected on the day of your exam. Know that it is normal and utilise techniques to calm your nerves. Breathing exercises, the practice of taking slow and deep breaths, can be done before or even during an exam to help you to relax. Walking before the big test may also be useful in settling those jitters.

Dr Karla Hylton is a graduate of the bio technology programme at the University of the West Indies. She operates Bio&Chem Tutoring, a Kingston-based teaching programme which specialises in secondary level biology and chemistry. Reach her at 404.4506 or via email at biochemtutor100@gmail.com