ARTICLE
Five ways to support students during exam season
Exam season is upon us, and the nerves are building! Many students may be even more apprehensive than usual, as this is the first year since the pandemic that exams are taking place. You will have taught your students all they need to know, but how can you, as a teacher, help your students prepare for their exams? Here are a few suggestions:
June 24, 2022
Five ways to support students during exam season
Exam season is upon us, and the nerves are building! Many students may be even more apprehensive than usual, as this is the first year since the pandemic that exams are taking place.
You will have taught your students all they need to know, but how can you, as a teacher, help your students prepare for their exams? Here are a few suggestions:
Help students find a revision style that suits them
Some people need silence; others need music in the background. Some even find a busy café works for them. Whatever a student’s style, they must find what works for them, so encourage them to experiment! Practising exam papers should be done in silence so they can practice for the big day.
Encourage students to personalise their notes
Everyone has a different style of revising. Some will use notes on postcards; others will colour code or even create diagrams/flow charts. Encourage your students to experiment with their note-taking. If you can provide your students with various learning materials (pens, stickers, cards, highlighters etc.) – that’s even better!
Encourage your students to take regular short breaks
When you’re panicking about your exams, it’s easy to think that studying for hours on end is the answer. That approach only leads to becoming tired and ruins concentration. Encouraging students to take a break every 45-60 mins is about right.
Encourage rewards
It’s essential students find a balance during the revision weeks. Encouraging them to give themselves small ‘treats’ at the end of a day’s revision can help with this. Simple things like watching a good film or meeting friends after a revision session can help achieve balance.
Encourage being active
Exercise is good for our mental health. But it is also suitable for our cognitive processing. Getting out and about for walks or hitting the gym helps students manage their stress levels and even helps them be more productive!
Exam time is a stressful time for students (and teachers!). We hope these tips can help your students!
