Some students from university have been asked to take final exams online after completing 17 years of formal education. This is all on top an already severe pandemic that has affected their mental health.
But there are other upsides. Remote exams are more flexible, more attentive to students' needs, and better able to recognize the pressures students face. Here are some suggestions for students who want to make the most out online assessment.
You should create a revision program
First, you need to decide on the topics and the types of knowledge and learning that are required for passing the exam. This is where tutors and past papers can come in handy.
Once you have an exam schedule, divide the time by the number and create a study routine. Delroy Hall from Sheffield Hallam University is a senior counsellor, wellbeing practitioner and adviser. "Covid-19 is disrupting all that [routine], so you have to be intentional about how you manage your life."
Hall also recommends using the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes studying, followed by a five to minute break. This is a great technique to use if your revisions are overwhelming or you have trouble staying focused.
You should learn concepts, not words
Learn to review course notes, lecture videos, marked essays, and other relevant source material. Hall says that learning concepts and ideas is more important than memorizing a lot. Open book exams can be used to demonstrate you are capable of applying learning and not only what you remember. However, this can put some pressure on you and make it difficult to find sources for your answers during the test.
One solution is to create summary sheets with key ideas. Active revision can help you retain and understand information. This also helps you find the most important information for your exam.
It's best to start revision early. You will use your existing notes to review the material, not learn new material. Hall says, "We're under more stress than normal so you want it to go away."
However, don't panic if things have not gone according to plan. Be organized and prioritize your topics based on the time available. Hall's worry sheet technique can be helpful. Make a half-sheet of paper and fold it in half. Fill one side with things and things you can control, such as meal times or bed times, and the other with things and things that are out of your control (when the vaccine will be available). Next, focus on the things you control and let the rest happen.
Exam anxiety can be tackled
Being able to take online exams alone or during a pandemic can be a daunting task. However, it is perfectly normal to feel angry and anxious. There are several ways to manage your anxiety. It is possible to manage stress by creating a separate exam area from your revision zone.
If your university offers exam walkthroughs, check it out. These will show you the steps involved, from signing in to uploading questions to final submission. Log in, download, and practice with any recommended software ahead of time. For those who are worried about the possibility of not having an internet connection or a computer during the exam, you can ask your university to loan you one.
A dry run is recommended for those who are not used to 24- and 48-hour exams. This is not about staying at the desk for several days. A balanced schedule that balances work and rest will help you feel and perform better.
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