Testing season is always around the corner for any college student whether it’d be a midterm or simple quiz. Either way a hit or miss on an exam or quiz can decide on whether you pass the course or not. Many students fear failure on a test because of many reasons and many do not have the correct guidance nor idea of where to begin being a better test taker.
Why do students fail examinations?
Since elementary school, students have been accustomed to taking tests, preparing for the day of the exam and has become a yearly requirement whether it is one or several tests.This is nothing new, so why do some students still get sweaty palms and go blank when a test is placed in front of them? Here are a few, common reasons to why students don’t pass a test.
-Sleeping habits
-Procrastination or distraction
– Mindset
-Lack of interest
-Anxiety: “Anxiety disorders are common, affecting about 18 percent of adults. Anxiety disorders affect an estimated 25 percent of 13- to 18-year-olds. Untreated childhood anxiety can cause children to perform poorly in school and on tests,” according to Ana Gotter while speaking to Healthline in 2017.
However, through some research and self-trial and error, I have found a few, yet effective methods that can help. These tips will assist you with getting better results on your mid-term exams and finals this semester.
MAKE TIME
It is understandable that many college students go to class and have a part time job, along with other personal life responsibilities. During midterms, though, priorities need to be met and one needs to study for a test that can decide whether you [KM6] pass the course or not.[KM7] If you are scheduled to work numerous days, and going to the gym 4 times a week, try cutting down on going to the gym and speak to your manager to sort something out so you can pass the test and have the time to prepare for it. NO EXCUSES!
PROCRASTINATION IS A “NO”
It is easy to get distracted when the material to study is not entertaining, which can make you unfocused… However, you need to take control of the situation and put that Netflix episode on pause, you can always go back to where you stopped but a test is a one-time thing that can result in passing the course or not.
LEARNING STYLE
If you are looking at a book or assignment and you find some drool dribbling down your mouth and slit eyes, then forget the pencil and try something that is more engaging to the mind! There are plenty of videos and ideas on social media websites, such as Pinterest and Youtube, that contain a lot of helpful content for college students. A common topic is study habits and getting into the rhythm of preparing for classes and exams.
You can also try out different learning styles. If you’re more visionary, try doodling a little illustration next the word or topic so it’s easier to remember. If verbal, then talk out loud as you study. It may sound silly at first, but studies show that more students remembered content for tests this way. There are endless amounts of ways to get into studying, so do some research and see what works best for you.
BE POSITIVE AND GOOD HABITS
Negative thoughts must be turned away and locked up. If you constantly are thinking, “I am not going to pass” or “I can’t do it”, then you are setting yourself up for failure. If you believe in yourself, are well prepared, and know all the material and content because you spent an entire week revising, then you can expect a passing grade. Another important tip is to be well rested and eat well. Studies show that students that are sleep deprived have lower test and overall academic grades. It is hard to remain focused and concentrated on what needs to be revised and needs to be done if you do not get enough hours of sleep. High junk food intake will have you feeling like a literal couch potato and you will be submerged in laziness. GET GOOD IN GET GOOD OUT.
PLAN
If the course you are currently enrolled in provides a syllabus, nine times out of ten the syllabus will contain a schedule for when assignments are due and the dates of exams. This will help you plan. Otherwise, if the professor lets you know that there will be a test next week, write that date down then plan out the days that you have until the test date. This way, you will be able to review your information well enough and you will not end up cramming before the big day.