Kia ora koutou
With end of year exams looming, we thought it might be helpful to share some timely reminders to support you with exam revision, exam tips, and strategies to look after your wellbeing.
Know what to revise:
To find out exactly what to review for your exam, look at:
• Past exam papers (ask your tutor where they are kept)
• The learning outcomes for the course
• Class handouts, readings and references you were given
• Class notes
• Course content on Moodle
Plan your revision:
• Use a diary or weekly timetable
• Break the course material into parts and allocate time to each, but think about which areas you need to spend more time on
• Plan to revise at the times of day that suit you best
Revise regularly:
• Sort your notes into topics
• Re-read your notes. Underline and highlight the key points
• Summarise sections of your notes – the act of reading and writing can help the information ‘stick’
• Test yourself or work with a classmate to test each other
• Find ways to remember key terms and concepts which work for you, such as using mnemonics and visual strategies like mind mapping
The day before the exam:
• Confirm the start time and the location of the exam
• If the exam is early, set an alarm so you wake up on time
• Have all the equipment you need prepared: pens, pencils, watch and water
• Eat well, do some mild exercise and try to get a good night’s sleep
On the day of the exam:
• Do not try to learn any new information
• Plan to arrive early and try to wait in a quiet area where you won’t be distracted
• Read all the questions and instructions carefully; some exams or tests may give you reading time before you start answering questions
• Make notes if anything pops into your head as you read – you can expand on these ideas as you go through answering the questions
• Check how many marks each question is worth and allocate your time accordingly
• Decide on the order you will answer your questions – easy ones first or those worth more marks
• Attempt all the questions you need to answer; but be careful if marks are deducted for wrong answers
• For short answer and essay questions, plan your response; it is good to logically arrange the relevant main ideas before you start writing the answer
• If you are short on time, just write down your main points for short answer or essay questions as they may earn you marks
• If you have spare time at the end, check your work thoroughly
Stress management:
Preparing for exams can be a stressful time in the life of a student. Learn to recognise when you feel stressed or anxious and try to develop strategies to help you manage your wellbeing. Some of these ideas might help:
• Eat well; include fresh fruits and vegetables
• Reduce caffeine, alcohol and cigarette intake
• Sleep well
• Exercise
• Spend time outside, in nature
• Find relaxation techniques that work for you, such as listening to music, deep breathing, meditation or yoga
All the best for your final weeks of study for 2021, from the team in Academic Support.
Sherideen Lange
Learning Services Advisor
Ara Library Blog 