SMART TIPS FOR EXAM PREPARATION

Thorough exam preparation is key to scoring in the exams.

The exam period can be a stressful time as students come under a lot of pressure to perform well to meet expectations. The thought of revision and the sheer amount of content to review can also be overwhelming, especially if one does not know when or how to begin. During this crucial period, parents can step in to make the revision process more bearable. Here are four tips on how to help your child better prepare for the exams.

1. Avoid Last Minute Revision

Revision should commence as early as two to three months before the exams. Students should avoid last-minute revision late into the night as this may result in a lack of sleep. Moreover, information is best absorbed in smaller bits consistently over time rather than in huge chunks at the last minute. As the saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” Sit down with your child and create a study p

2. Customise Learning

Pair your child’s preferred learning style with the right study tools to boost revision efficacy. For instance, visual learners who retain information best when they see it should create mind-maps in their notes. On the other hand, aural learners who process information through listening can make use of podcasts or audiobooks to complement school materials.

3. Utilise Practice Papers

Past years’ practice papers can help expose your child to various types of exam questions and identify learning gaps. This allows your child to pinpoint areas of weakness and seek clarification early. Timed practice papers are also good opportunities for your child to work on time management by attempting full papers within time limits.

4. Quality Rest & Play

Teach your child to strike a balance between school work and rest. Sleep is important and children should get at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night. In addition, eating nutritious meals and setting aside time for hobbies will enable your child to destress and absorb information better during revision.

As Thomas Edison famously said, “There is no substitute for hard work.” To excel in the exams, your child will need to put in considerable time and effort to study. However, studying smart with the above tips can alleviate the workload and ensure your child is maximising revision time efficiently.