August 10, 2023
How to ace your next exam: tips to help you succeed on your test
There is often a misconception that tests are made for students to fail. Although there may be teachers who may purposely make difficult tests, most examinations are made to test and push your knowledge on the subject being taught. Regardless of whether or not you enjoy taking tests, understanding and learning the skills needed to perform well on tests is important. These transferable skills will aid you in your future as they teach you to plan, focus under pressure, and retain crucial information. On your next test, test out these tips:!
- Understand the test parameters and put yourself in your teacher’s shoes
Students often perform poorly on tests when they are unaware of all the topics that the test will cover. It is important to consult your teacher and classmates to ensure you have a solid understanding of testing topics and materials. . Use that information to craft a study guide. Once you are familiar with the parameters of a test, try putting yourself in your teacher’s shoes. Reflecting on the assignments, quizzes and lessons they used to teach you the concept, how would you go about structuring questions? What concepts would you want to throw in there to push the students' thinking? Try and think outside the box and utilize lesson plans, textbooks and homework to plan out how a possible test may appear.
- Study consistently, and break down big concepts
To point out the obvious, it is essential to review the information taught every single day. Performing successfully on a test requires familiarity with concepts that have been developed over weeks of learning. Whilst cramming the night before may work for some, it is not a guaranteed way to succeed. Make sure you review your concepts every day and stay on top of your work. When reviewing your information, try not to get overwhelmed by large concepts, rather , try to break them down into several different sections. This will allow you to grasp the small sections one at a time, and then put them together to grasp the entirety of the larger concept.
- Cut out distractions and don’t forget to review easy materials
While studying, place your distractions (cellphones, tablets, video games etc.) far from your study area so you won’t be tempted to use them. If you give into distractions frequently while studying your brain won’t be able to focus on the material and you won’t be able to grasp the concept as quickly as you may have hoped. You will find yourself spending a lot more time learning one concept than you would if you focused your attention.. Do take breaks, but do sok according to a schedule. In addition, don’t forget to go over the easy material as well. Students often lose easy marks on tests because they skip reviewing material they found easy in class and therefore did not review. Performing well on a test doesn’t reflect someone’s ability to study quickly for that test but more so their ability to retain and understand the information needed.
- Reach out for help if needed
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for extra help. Regardless of how hard you may have studied for a test there may still be some concepts or problems that you aren’t able to figure out or resolve. Asking for help does not mean you are not “smart enough” to do it alone, but often when someone studies one concept for a while they find themselves stuck. In instances like that, seek out support from a third party. For affordable and reliable tutoring, check out TUEX, a tutoring app that connects students with tutors. With over 3000 active students and over 1000 tutors, TUEX is the tutoring app for you. Use the coupon code TUEX40KM for your first class free on TUEX!
