Top Tips To Achieve Exam Success
Exam season is always a stressful time for students, parents and teachers alike. After years of hard work, the pressure to succeed can often be overwhelming, and it can be very easy for students to feel stressed. Here at The Dyslexia Shop, we know how demanding this period can be, which is why, in this latest blog, we thought we would take a closer look at some of the top tips to help students succeed.
Preparing for exams
When it comes to exam success, preparation is essential. The earlier students start preparing for their exams, the more confident they will feel when they come around. One of the most important steps when preparing for exams is to make sure that students understand the syllabus. This is the foundation of their revision, outlining what topics they need to study for and the format of the exam. Having this knowledge in place will allow them to focus their efforts on what truly matters and ensure that they are not wasting time on irrelevant materials.
Once you have the syllabus, it is then important to create a clear and structured study plan. This will help students to better organise their time and resources, reducing the need for last-minute cramming and minimising stress. When creating a study plan, make sure to allow for regular breaks and revisions, as this will help to enhance retention and understanding of the topics. The three key steps to creating an effective study schedule are:
- Assess your time
You should first determine how many days and weeks there are until the exam.
- Subjects and topics
You should then break down all of the subjects and topics as per the syllabus, prioritising those which are more challenging or carry more importance.
- Allocate time slots
When you have that breakdown, you can then assign specific time slots for each topic, ensuring a balance between subjects. Just remember to include breaks to avoid burnout!
Alongside the revision plan, it is also important to understand the best study methods for your child. There are two main types, passive, which includes reading and highlighting texts, and active, which involves engaging through activities such as summarising, questioning, and games. The right option will depend on the student but it’s always wise to try to incorporate a blend of the two.
Practising with past exams can also be very beneficial, helping students to familiarise themselves with the exam format and the types of questions that they will face. Practising under exam conditions will also allow them to understand how best to manage their time during the allocated period.
Finally, make sure students have a distraction-free environment in which to study and revise. Dedicating a clear area for revision helps to focus the mind, and you will want somewhere that is organised, has plenty of natural light, and has a desk and chair.
Staying healthy and balanced
Staying healthy and balanced is essential for exam success. The stress and worry during exam season can often change how students eat, but it is essential that they are getting proper nutrition and staying hydrated, as this will help to keep their energy levels up and also improve cognitive function. Some top tips include:
- Having a balanced diet
Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats in meals. These provide essential nutrients for brain health and overall wellbeing.
- Regular Meals
It can be very easy to skip meals during exam season, but this leads to energy dips and decreased focus. Make sure students are sticking to regular meals throughout the day to keep their bodies fuelled.
- Healthy snacks
Choose healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, whole-grain crackers and yoghurts to keep energy levels high in between meals.
- Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water will improve cognitive function and concentration.
It’s not just about maintaining a healthy diet, though. Exercise is also vital for cognitive function and overall health. Exercise increases the flow of blood to the brain, promoting the growth of new neurons and boosting brain function. It also releases endorphins, which can improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance concentration and attention.
Students should also focus on their mental health and wellbeing, as exam season can be particularly stressful and anxiety-inducing. Incorporating relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness practices can help manage those feelings and keep the mind focused.
Getting enough sleep is also critical for exam success. When we are asleep, our brain processes and consolidates the information we learned during the day, making it easier to recall later. It also enhances cognitive functions such as attention, problem-solving, and decision-making.
The stress of exams can make it hard to get to sleep though, so students should make sure that they establish a clear routine for going to bed and waking up. It is also wise to limit screen time before bed, as the blue light emitted from phones, tablets, and computers is known to disrupt sleep cycles.
Exam day strategies
Being able to manage exam day is a key skill to ensure success, and that should start with a nutritious breakfast. This is essential for optimal brain function and will also ensure that students have enough energy to get through the day. The morning before an exam is also a great chance to do some last-minute revision. This shouldn’t be anything strenuous, but more of a chance to review key concepts, utilise flash cards, and reconfirm knowledge that might be needed for the exam.
While it can be very nerve-wracking entering an exam, good preparation will set students up for success. During the exam, time management is crucial, and students should first spend a few minutes reading through the entire paper to get an overview of the questions and understand how long each one will take to answer. It’s also wise to read each question twice, to avoid misreading or misunderstanding what is being asked of you.
Post-exam tips
Once you have finished your exam, the first thing you can do is breathe a sigh of relief and congratulate yourself for doing your best. However, it is also a great chance to reflect on how the exam and your preparation went, allowing you to identity your strengths and also possible areas where you could improve for future exams.
If there were any questions or areas that you found particularly challenging, don’t be afraid to ask your teacher for clarification or advice. It can also be a good idea to check with classmates to find out what they thought of the exam.
As results day edges closer, it is natural for nerves and trepidation to build. If the results do not quite go the way you had hoped, remember that one bad result does not define your academic abilities. Identify what areas went wrong and how you can improve that for the next time, seeking help from teachers and tutors.
Of course, if you do get the results that you wanted, then make sure you take the time to acknowledge your efforts and celebrate your hard work!
Looking for help with your exams?
When it comes to exam success, having the right tools at your disposal can set you up for success and reduce the stress and anxiety you feel. Here at The Dyslexia Shop, we stock a wide range of educational materials designed to help students achieve their best and improve their academic work.
Take a look through the range today or get in touch with our team who will be happy to answer any questions that you might have!