That’ll be the one who doesn’t have a crazed look of panic as the invigilator announces ‘you may turn over your papers.’ Or the one mopping their brow, flicking the exam paper back and forth, shifting in their seat, before finally raising a hand to ask ‘can I use the bathroom?’ Students who have prepared themselves well will be spared that excruciating gut wrench as they read the first question on the page – the feeling that confirms they had left it all too late.
Even before the first daffodils begin to sprout, for thousands of British teenagers the first hints of spring herald the rapid approach of the exam season. And like it or not, the truth is, cramming revision at the last minute doesn’t work. It’s a fact and everybody knows it. But for the average sixteen to eighteen year old the appeal of warmer weather, up-coming music festivals and parties can lure even the most diligent of scholars away from their studies. As a result, for parents of teenagers about to sit their exams, the forecast for the months ahead may not be altogether sunny.
What does a concerned Mum or Dad do to coax their reluctant learner back to the books? Nag? Bribe? Deliver harsh ultimatums? Well, here’s another fact: only selfmotivation will influence how much a student will achieve. Endless nagging or expensive bribery only leads to a battle of wills that’s draining on both sides. Just let them get on with it. Harsh words but it is their performance that will count on the day, not yours.
Mum and Dad’s place is to ensure their young scholar has a quiet place to study and to provide copious amounts of tea, cake, sympathy and understanding as necessary. Give them time and keep your distance. So, Mum and Dad, look away now, let your aspiring academic read on from here:
Getting started is often the hardest part because, let’s face it, you’d rather be doing something else. But it’s the key to successful revision. Start with just ten minutes. Ten minutes work to the exclusion of everything else. Shut down your computer, switch off your phone, turn off the telly. It’s better to work for ten minutes in an hour than spend an hour telling yourself you’ll start in a minute. So, work hard for ten minutes, then take a ten minute break. Then do another ten minutes followed by another ten minute break. In an hour you will have completed thirty minutes worth of quality revision. Gradually increase the working periods, keeping the breaks to ten minutes. But remember that work time is for work – don’t be tempted to check your Facebook, save that for your break.
P is for Planning. Forget any poor mock results, or good ones for that matter – assuming you’ll walk it because of past success is a bad idea. Make a detailed revision timetable. Know when your exams are and what you have to do before then. Try to ease in an extra half hour of work a day. In a week you’ll have gained two-and-a-half extra hours study – enough to treat yourself to a night out. Cover several subjects in the same day or evening, always starting with the one you like least. That way you’ll finish on a high and won’t run the risk of avoiding the one you dislike.
A is for active revision. Reading and rereading facts is boring. Try and mix things up a bit. Rewrite your notes as mind maps, use colour to highlight important things, draw sketches or diagrams to help you remember points. Reduce your notes to essential points and write them on index cards. Carry the cards with you wherever you go, reviewing them in spare moments. Get some fresh air – walk the dog or go for a swim.
S is for set targets. Keep them realistic, and allow yourself enough time. Aim for a balance between subjects you’re strong in and those which you’re less confident about. Mark your progress on your revision timetable so that you can see what you’ve achieved. When you reach a target reward yourself with some time off.
S is for stay Calm. The day before your exam make sure you have all of the equipment you will need, plus spares. Get a good night’s sleep. On the morning of the exam eat a good breakfast and arrive in plenty of time. Don’t get drawn into exam room paranoia, ignore everyone else and concentrate solely on what you have to do.
Do your swotting, so when the invigilator finally exhorts ‘Put down your pens,’ you can be one of the ones who can enjoy a summer free from regret. Good Luck!
Spot The Swot
by IN Magazine / Published - Friday, 25 March 2011
