Testing Times – Take that Test without Breaking into a Sweat
Your palms are sweaty, your pulse races, you’re flushed and feverish, you can’t remember a thing – no, you’re not out on that first exciting date with the person of your dreams, you’re about to sit for an examination that can make or break your life. It’s easier to prepare well for an exam rather than send your blood pressure soaring on the eve of that all-important test, and if you’re not sure how to go about the process, here are a few pointers to help you out.
- Start studying from day one, the first day of your lesson. There’s no preparation that’s better than the one that’s done little by little, every day, till the day of the exam.
- Missing or skipping lectures could end up costing you dear as you may miss a valuable tip that only a professor can throw up.
- If you’re the kind who’s easily distracted when on your own, combine forces and ask a classmate to join you as you prepare for the exam. More on Study Groups.
- Jotting down things, especially formulae and other facts that have to be learned by rote, as you learn them is extremely beneficial in committing them to memory. More on Taking Notes
- Set a schedule if you’re preparing for more than one exam. Set time limits for each chapter and each lesson you study.
- If you have even the smallest doubt, work on getting it clarified at once.
- While some people study well when there’s music playing in the background, others function better with no distractions at all. Keep away from the television, phone and the Internet when you’re studying (unless you’re conducting research).
- Flash cards work well when you’re trying to memorize facts.
- If you’re preparing for exams with questions that require essays for answers, it’s not a good idea to study each lesson or course in depth. On the other hand, multiple choice questions require a thorough knowledge of the subject matter. Oral exams and viva voces require you to have facts at your finger tips – you don’t have the luxury of thought that written exams afford. How to Study for an Essay exam
- Let your family know that you need their support when you’re preparing for a test. Peace and quiet are extremely important to remember what’s been committed to memory.
- Conduct a mock test a few days before the exam to see how well you’ve prepared.
- Don’t fill up with gallons of coffee on the eve of an exam – it only stimulates you to the point of insomnia. More on coffee and studying
- A good night’s sleep is important on the eve of any test; burning the midnight oil is not a good idea if you wish to recollect all you’ve learned.
- Get your pencils and pens ready the night before any exam so that you don’t have to rush around in the morning looking for them.
- Wake up an hour early so that you have time for a quick revision before you set out for the exam.
More tips on what to do in the exam room part 1, and Part 2, plus our Ultimate guide to test preparation. Being prepared is the best defense against exam fear for even the toughest of tests. So start early, study hard, and taste success.
Heather Johnson writes on California teacher certification courses. Feedback at heatherjohnson2323 at gmail dot com. Visit our Teacher Certification page.
