Each of us has had to prepare to pass exams, but do we know what exactly is at stake in this process? In the whirlwind of studying, we rarely take the time necessary to identify the strategies that are best suited for us. It is often simpler to follow the recommendations of our teachers, parents and friends rather than establishing a strategic process adapted to oneself.
Here are our tips to help you establish an effective exam preparation process. Understanding what should be done or avoided before an exam can definitely keep avoidable failures at bay!
As you might imagine, study is at the heart of exam preparation. The optimal study methods are different for each student and completing this process can be quite complex. We all have our theory on the factors favoring the success of our study.
However, some widely held beliefs turn out to be erroneous. Let’s take a moment to clarify what works, and what doesn’t:
1. “I have no choice, a sleepless night is in order!”
An accomplishment that students are proud of is the all-nighter of studying: staying up all night until the early hours to study for that important exam and hope to get that much-desired A+. It does not work. Getting a full night’s sleep before an exam will be more beneficial than completing a last-minute study through stressful sleepless nights.
Without sufficient periods of MOR (rapid eye movement) sleep, the brain will not retain the information studied during the night. Worse still, the practice of sleepless nights also puts at risk the correct recall of previously consolidated notions. This means that during your sleepless night, you will not learn any more and, on the day of the exam, you will temporarily lose your ability to remember what you have learned in addition to suffering from excessive fatigue! A full night’s sleep will increase your performance on exams, much more than a nighttime study blitz!
2. “I perform better under pressure.” »
Last-minute study is a second behavior that is widely valued among students. You seem very intrepid to take the risk of waiting until the last moment to study… Also, what great intelligence you will demonstrate by managing to obtain good grades without constant study! Unfortunately, be aware that students rarely come out proud and winning with this strategy.
Study should be spread out over time and not condensed just before an exam. Setting aside a short time each day to review your course notes will improve your ability to assimilate and memorize new learning. Thanks to well-paced preparation over the weeks, you will no longer feel the need for intensive study sessions leading to sleepless nights. The day before your exam, be confident in your knowledge and use the time available to revise and, above all, rest.
3. “Browsing a little on Facebook will calm me down.” »
Your brain should be placed in a resting state before going to sleep. Doing a pleasant and calming activity such as reading a book or listening to music will help you relax. This preparation before slipping into sleep will allow for a longer period of MOR. Please note that using screens (television, telephone, tablet, etc.) harms the quality of your sleep. Stop any study session at least one hour before your meeting with Morpheus…
4. “I worked so hard that I didn’t move from my place!” »
Don’t stay at your desk all day. Students are often wrongly convinced that they need to study constantly for greater efficiency. Rather, it is essential to schedule active breaks during study sessions. Exercising helps oxygen travel to the brain. Thus, we can observe excellent results by revising while jogging or putting balls in the basket in the yard.
You will be amazed at how studying in motion will help increase your memorization capacity. Also, on the day of the exam, set aside at least half an hour for a pleasant physical activity so as to relax and promote good oxygen circulation. Moderate physical exertion increases brain function. Come on, stand up and move for success !
5. “You’re not you when you’re hungry, grab a bite to eat.” »
If your brain represents the body’s engine, then food is the fuel to power it. By taking breaks to eat healthily, your brain will be better prepared to remember and recall the information you have learned. Eat healthy meals and snacks in well-balanced portions throughout the day.
Your mental health is closely linked to your physical health. Just like your body, your brain needs to be prepared and rested in preparation for exams. To optimize your learning and recall abilities, pay attention to meeting your physical and psychological needs. Small breaks throughout your study and work days are essential.
We must remember that overworking the brain is as detrimental to performance as not studying at all. If once you have taken your exams you have difficulty remembering the concepts you have learned, try implementing some of our suggestions in anticipation of your next exam. Mistakes allow learning, dare to experiment!