Prepare for exams and assignments
Exams can be stressful but being prepared can help you reduce that stress. Learn how to be better prepared by following the steps below.
Outcome
To learn study strategies to prepare for an exam or assignment
Let's start with why this is important:
- preparing for weeks before an exam will improve your results
- simple study strategies will save you time and stress
Information
The best way to study for an exam or assignment is to start with a study calendar and block out time that you can dedicate to studying or completing your assignment. It is never a good idea to leave everything to the late minute as things can happen such as you may need to work or your internet goes down and so your last minute study plans will not happen at all.
Create a study plan that has breaks in it and do not dedicate all of your time to study. Make sure you eat well, sleep well and get lots of exercise, include these in your study schedule. Drink lots of water and get lots of sleep. Most importantly if you feel yourself getting stressed try some mindfulness activities and give yourself a break. Remember a stressed brain will not learn anything.
Follow these 10 tips to study well for your exams, number 2 is probably the most important one!
For video transcript please click here.
What to do next
Create a study timetable
Draw up your own study timetable using the example below to help you. To start block out the times you are at work/school and then any other commitments such as sport, family and children. Add in when you will eat, exercise and sleep. Then fill in the free time with what you will study.
Know your learning style
Identify your learning style by doing this quiz. Once you know what your dominant learning style is, make sure your study includes lot of activities that you learn best from e.g. I am a visual learner so I will make and watch videos about my topic.
www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles-quiz.shtml
Make a study space
Create a study space and surround it with your learning. Your study space should be a table and a chair where you can sit comfortably and not be distracted. Decorate your study space with posters, notes, key words etc. so that you are constantly surrounded by your learning.
More Information & Services
A lot of stress and anxiety can occur during exams. It is important that during this time you take care of your emotional and mental wellbeing.
Here are some organisations that can help:
CALL KIDSHELPLINE 1800 55 1800 (crisis counselling service available 24/7)
CALL YARNING SAFE N STRONG 1800 959 563 (counselling service for ATSI peoples available 24/7)
CALL QLIFE 1800 184 527 (available 3pm - midnight everyday for LGBTI peer support)
headspace Work and Study Online
Free online support to young people 15 - 25
A number of articles on school and study, visit their site
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