SKILLS for LEARNING SKILLS for STUDY Part 2

COUNTDOWN to the EXAMS In the run up to your exams, you must adopt a more disciplined attitude Your performance in the exam is vital to your success Look at them positively as an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding We are nearing another benchmark, and soon, we will be taking AIMS Science, AzMERIT, and Cambridge tests. Are you ready? Even though some of these tests are at the end of the year, teachers know it is in your best interest to practice. That’s what your assessments are, so how do create a more disciplined, or regimented way to study? It is true that the exams aid in your success. Knowing how you have mastered skills helps teachers know what to reteach as well as for you know what kind of study you need to be successful for a retake or the next test. Looking at test taking as a positive venture is hard to do, but knowing the purpose of why it is done makes it much easier to accomplish.

Give up parties, nights out etc. Social Life : Put this on hold Give up parties, nights out etc. Plan your rewards you will give yourself after the exams Exercise : Walk or jog daily to reduce the pressure It clears the mind and encourages positive thoughts I don’t mean that you need to put your life on hold, but you do need to prioritize what is in your best interest. You may need to cut out an hour of video games or face time to complete your work. You may choose to change your schedule around a bit to get in the time to prep for the exam. Whatever you do know that is temporary. You will be back to your routine soon enough. Another way to help in prepping for the exam is to get your body moving. Research shows that increased blood flow to the body and brain makes you more alert to learn. Why do you think I give “brain breaks” in class for you to stretch?

Distractions : Eliminate noise Click this 1st Click this 2nd Create an area for what I like to call having “White Noise”. ”White Noise” is like the sounds of the ocean. It is repetitive and soothing. As well, it allows your brain to keep engaged. Here is an example. Click this 1st Click this 2nd

Study Time: Read and write over notes Listen to study tapes Plan and revise

The key is to study actively : Take notes Test yourself Don’t just read ‘ Many drops fill the bucket ‘

EXAM PREPARATION The secrets to success: Have genuine faith in your preparation Don’t leave anything to chance Know exactly what is required for each exam Understand each subject Quiz your teachers Know your exam format Multiple choice Short answer Essays How many questions

EXAM PREPARATION Around the house put up lists of Key facts Formulae Quotes Examples Recite them aloud when you see them Do past papers under exam conditions Identify areas of weakness and address them Become comfortable with the vocabulary used Perfect the pace you must work at Your timing is critical

‘ When only the best will do ‘ EXAM PREPARATION Test your knowledge and understanding Discuss it, explain it Justify it with friends Question each other List any improvements needed Work through them systematically Retest your knowledge Be thorough and focused – have a Study Timetable in your study area ‘ When only the best will do ‘

EXAM TECHNIQUE Understanding Instructions On the front cover of the exam paper are instructions Read them Understand them Know what questions to do Where to put your answers

EXAM TECHNIQUE Reading Time Read the paper through Plan your approach Identify questions you can do immediately Put the questions in the order you wish to do them Don’t work out answers Your confidence will build with more difficult questions

EXAM TECHNIQUE The Exam itself Start on straight forward questions Don’t dwell on those you can’t do Move on On multiple choice questions Eliminate those answers you think are incorrect Beware of careless mistakes Plan your answers Draw big, clear and accurate diagrams

‘ You make your own luck’ EXAM TECHNIQUE The magic word in exams is Not fast Not slow But consistently and persistently ‘ You make your own luck’

SITTING EXAMS Follow these guidelines – they will work for you Put a copy of your Exam Timetable in a place where your family can double check times and dates Take a bottle of water to the exam Arrive in plenty time before the exam, but don’t be too early Don’t listen to music beforehand – the songs will play on your mind Have a watch and the necessary equipment Be relaxed and focused – your preparation has you ready for your exam

‘ Achievement is a habit – work on it ‘ Use reading time effectively Underline / highlight key words and phrases Do plans - do they address the questions? But don’t spend too much time on planning Make sure that you have filled in all the details During the answer, consider how well it answers the question Stay alert – don’t daydream Don’t panic if short on time – note the main points If you finish early, check your work thoroughly Never leave early Cross out any answer if it is not required Write neatly and legibly ‘ Achievement is a habit – work on it ‘

EXAM STRESS … and how to beat it Revision Notes Exam Timetable