1. SKILLS for LEARNING SKILLS for STUDY Part 2

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.

3. 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?

4. 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

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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. ‘ 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 ‘

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. ‘ 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’

14. 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

15. ‘ 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 ‘

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