When people learn new things it can often be a complex and challenging process. That’s why they seek explanations of the K-12 education system or ways to study more effectively. Perhaps you’re feeling anxious about your upcoming exams and need to brush up on your revision skills. In this article, we’ll discuss some strategies and pointers that will help you better prepare for your exams.
Do Plenty Of Internet Research
If you read about your exam course online, it’ll give you a wider perspective of what to expect. When you know what’s in store, it’ll be easier to find the right study materials and methods that work for you. Another great thing about the internet is that you can connect with other students who are preparing for the same exams. You can get insights and ideas from them on how they study and what resources they’re using.
It may be that you’re researching the internet on behalf of your schoolchild. If they’re due to take the Sutton SET 11+ Exam you can access practice papers and tests for both English and mathematics. You can also discover the syllabus and formats, and read tips on how to prepare for the exam.
Don’t Cram The Night Before
Never leave everything to the last minute because this isn’t an effective way to study! If you spend the evening cramming, you’ll probably struggle to sleep that night and the next day you’ll be exhausted from staying up late. In turn, this will adversely affect your memory and concentration. Additionally, cramming can lead to stress and anxiety, which can also hinder your exam performance.
When you cram, you’re trying to learn a great deal of information in a very short amount of time. In reality, you won’t be able to remember everything you read, and you won’t have enough time to process the facts correctly. Instead of cramming, study a little bit each day leading up to the exam. This will help you retain the information and be better prepared overall.
Make A Study Schedule
This is a plan that you create outlining when and how you’ll prepare for your upcoming exams. This can help you make better use of your time, and it can also make you feel more in control. If you break down the large tasks into smaller ones, it will take some of the pressure off. Finally, having a plan can help you stay on track and cover all the material in time.
Start by taking a look at your syllabus and make note of any upcoming tests or quizzes, and when they’re scheduled. Then, create a list of all the material you need to review. For each topic, decide how long you think you need to spend studying it. Next, choose which days and times you’ll study. Make sure to include breaks in your schedule so that you don’t get overwhelmed or burned out. It’s also a good idea to build some flexibility into your schedule.
Ensure You Have Enough Sleep
Whilst it’s no secret that students often don’t get enough sleep, it can have negative consequences. Insufficient sleep can lead to poor grades, a decrease in productivity, and even health problems. In contrast, a good night’s sleep will help you feel refreshed and able to study effectively. For this reason, adults should aim to have between 7 and 8 hours sleep each night, and children 9-11 hours.
Here are some strategies to help you rest well:
- Establish a regular sleep timetable and adhere to it as much as possible.
- Create a bedtime routine specifically designed to help you wind down for the night.
- Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
- Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks before bed.
- Get up and move around during the day so you’re physically tired at night.
Eat And Drink Healthily
Your brain is like any other muscle in your body – it needs the right nutrients to function at its best. Eating a healthy, balanced diet will help you concentrate and stay alert during extended periods of study, and will also help your overall health and well-being.
Here are some tips for eating and drinking wisely during exam season:
- Eat regular meals and snacks, including breakfast. Skipping meals will make you feel tired and unfocused.
- Incorporate sufficient fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein in your daily diet. These foods will help to boost your energy levels and concentration.
- Avoid sugary snacks and drinks. Although they may give you a short-term energy boost, they’ll make you feel sluggish and unfocused after a while.
- Stay hydrated by consuming adequate water drinks throughout the day.
- Take regular breaks from studying to eat and drink, and to give your mind a rest.
Take Practice Tests And Use Revision Cards
We mentioned practice tests earlier, and they’ll help you get familiar with the format of the exam and the types of questions that’ll be asked. Additionally, they can help you identify any areas where you need to focus more study. For example, if you find that you’re having difficulty with a certain concept, you can spend more time studying it before taking the actual exam. Another benefit of practice tests is that they discipline you to complete the answers within a specific timeframe.
Revision cards are simply cards that you can use to write down key information that you need to remember for the exam. This can include definitions, formulas, examples, or anything else that you think will be helpful. One option is to create a stack of cards, with each card containing information on one topic. You could alternatively write a question on one side, and the answer on the back. Then, you can go through the stack of cards, testing yourself as you go.
Hopefully, you’ve found these strategies and pointers helpful. Don’t forget to create a quality learning zone for your revision as well! In return for being organized and hard-working, you’ll be best placed to achieve great exam results. In turn, this will be a springboard that launches you further toward a successful future.