After 18 years of formal schooling, some college students will have to take their final examinations online, in a way they have never seen before. It is on top of a pandemic that now harms mental health. It does have some positive aspects, though. These tests are more adaptable and considerate of individual needs. They become more aware of their limitations. Here are some suggestions for students who want to make the most of online testing:
- Make a revision schedule-
Decide first what subjects to cover and what kind of information or understanding the exam will assess. Tutors, as well as past exam papers and sample questions, can assist with this.
Divide the time remaining by various topics to generate a study timetable once you have your exam date. According to Delroy Hall, senior counsellor and health practitioner at Sheffield Hallam University, incorporating regularity into your revision is vital right now. All of that routine has been interrupted by Covid-19. We must be deliberate in how we handle our life. Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break, then repeat again. It is beneficial if you are feeling stressed by a revision or finding it hard to stay concentrated.
- It is important to learn concepts rather than just vocabulary-
Start going over your course papers, marked essays, lecture videos, find a paper solution like physics or biology solution and other crucial sources. “Learn concepts and ideas, not recite a bunch of material,” Hall advises. Open book tests allow you to demonstrate that you understand how to use what you’ve learned rather than just what you’ve memorized. While this relieves some stress, looking for resources during an exam can be very disruptive.
Making summary sheets containing significant concepts, quotes, and analyses is one solution. This active revision method helps in the comprehension of material and makes it easier to locate information. Instead of learning new content, you should begin revision early, with previous notes to evaluate. You can even use a solution app for different subjects, such as a mathematics solution app.
But don’t worry if you’ve left it too late. Make a plan, but prioritize topics based on the amount of time you have. According to one expert, the “worry sheet” method can also be beneficial. Fill one half of a sheet of paper with stuff you can manage (such as supper and bedtimes) and the other half with items you can’t (when the information will be acquired). Then concentrate on the issues you have control over and let the rest go.
- Overcoming exam anxiety is possible –
It’s normal to be nervous or upset about taking examinations online and during a pandemic. There are also techniques for coping with anxiety. Set apart your test zone from your revision zone. Sit at a desk or on the kitchen table, rather than in bed, to reduce tension. Your institution may provide exam walkthroughs online. From logging in to posting answers, these demonstrate the procedure. Try to get any recommended applications downloaded, logged in, get personalized solutions and practice ahead of time. If 24 and 72-hour examinations are unfamiliar to you, practice them as well. It isn’t about spending days at your desk.
You’ll experience and perform much better if you combine churning out responses with eating, sleeping, and relaxing.
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