EMPOWERED FOR THE EXAMS

TECHNIQUES FOR STUDYING We learn best through a multi-sensory approach i.e When you read over the notes (handouts or you own class notes) to refresh your memory of the work covered in the lessons, it is important that you read out loud. Also while you read, try highlighting key concepts. Now that you have your own notes, teach the information to yourself out loud.

Preparing to Study: A Good Study Place Source: http://www.how-to-study.com You need a good study place to be prepared to study. You should be able to answer YES to all of the following questions:

Does my Study Place contain all the study materials I need Does my Study Place contain all the study materials I need? Be sure your Study Place includes all your notes and supplies such as pens and pencils, paper, ruler, calculator, and whatever else you might need. If you use a computer for your schoolwork, it should be in your Study Place. Does my Study Space contain a large enough desk or table? While working on an assignment or studying for a test, use a desk or table that is large enough to hold everything you need. Allow enough room for writing and try to avoid clutter. Does my Study Place have enough storage space? You need enough room to store your study materials. Be sure you have enough storage space to allow you to keep your desktop or other work surface clear of unnecessary materials that can get in the way.

Does my Study Place have a comfortable chair Does my Study Place have a comfortable chair? A chair that is not comfortable can cause discomfort or pain that will interfere with your studying. A chair that is too comfortable might make you sleepy. Select a chair in which you can sit for long periods while maintaining your attention. Does my Study Place have enough light? The amount of light you need depends on what you are doing. The important thing is that you can clearly see what you need to see without any strain or discomfort. Does my Study Place have a comfortable temperature? If your Study Place is too warm, you might become sleepy. If it is too cold, your thinking may slow down and become unclear. Select a temperature at which your mind and body function best.

Preventing stress from turning into distress on Exam morning Source: www.teenactiv.co.za Tip one: Don’t mingle with the frazzled! Tip two: Think realistically, not negatively. Decidedly, think on things like: “I have studied hard for this exam!", “I am going to give it my very best shot and that is all I can do!", NOT “I am going to fail!”

Tips to tackle the paper cleverly: Tip one:  Take 10 minutes or so to read through the entire paper before setting pen to paper.  This overview will help you to get a general feel for the paper and will also help you with the tips that follow:

Tip two:  Quickly prioritize the questions for yourself.  Start with the questions that for you will be confident-boosting and fairly quick to answer. End with the answers that you know will take you more time to structure and think about.  

Tip three:  In your pre-reading of the exam paper, also take note of the mark allocations per question.  This will give you an idea of how much time to spend on each question e.g 1 mark per minute. If ever you are running out of time in an exam, then bullet-point your answers down quickly, instead of trying to answer in full sentences

Tip four:  Make sure that you read and re-read the questions with extreme care. Read with a guide and circle the main idea. It’s an idea to take a highlighter into the exam room with you so that you can highlight key instruction words and key content words within each question.  For example:  “Discuss the contrasts in the characters of Macbeth and Macduff.” 

Tip five:  Try leaving a decent amount of time to check over your work. Ask yourself: Have I answered the question? Have I written enough? Have I been specific and relevant in my answer? Could I improve the answer in any way?

REMEMBER ... Believe in yourself and prepare well. Eat Healthily: A balanced diet will boost energy. Sleep: Adequate amounts of sleep will help you perform better on exams and keep you healthy. Aim for 7-9 hours, with no less than 6 hours of sleep. Relax: Practice deep breathing , yoga or any other relaxation technique to improve concentration. Exercise: Regular and moderate exercises reduce stress by relaxing tensed muscles. Believe in yourself and prepare well.