Exam season can be a stressful time for students, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools, habits, and mindset, studying can become more productive and even enjoyable. Year 8 students Luli Podesta and Charlie Leung attended a recent study workshop and shared valuable revision tips that help students prepare for exams with confidence and efficiency. Whether you’re just starting to prepare or deep in revision mode, these techniques are designed to suit all learning styles and personal preferences.
1. Identify Your Learning Style
Every student learns differently. Some absorb information best through listening and reading, while others learn better with visual aids and hands-on techniques. During the workshop, students were encouraged to take a learning style quiz to determine whether they were verbal or visual learners. This awareness allows students to tailor their study methods to suit their strengths, making revision more effective and less frustrating.
If you’re unsure about your learning style, try taking a quiz online or reflecting on past learning experiences. Do you remember things better when you read them or when you see a diagram? Do you prefer writing out notes or creating colorful mind maps? Understanding how you learn best is the first step toward mastering exam preparation.
2. Use the Right Materials and Tools
Once you’ve identified your learning style, make sure to use materials that work for you. Verbal learners should focus on structured notes, reading textbooks, and writing summaries. Flashcards, vocabulary lists, and past papers can also be extremely helpful. On the other hand, visual learners might benefit from using mind maps, color-coded charts, illustrations, and video explanations.
Digital tools like study apps or software that supports note organization (such as Notion, Quizlet, or GoodNotes) can enhance your revision and help you stay engaged. The key is to keep your resources varied and aligned with how you process and retain information best.
3. Choose Your Ideal Study Environment
The environment in which you study plays a huge role in how productive your sessions are. Some students need total silence to concentrate, while others find background music or ambient noise helpful. Some work best alone, while others prefer group study where they can discuss and teach concepts to one another.
It’s important to test different settings and determine what helps you focus. Try studying at a library, in your room, or at a quiet café. Use noise-cancelling headphones if you need silence or listen to low-volume instrumental music if that keeps you energized. Stick to the environment that allows you to be the most focused and distraction-free.
4. Understand Your Focus Triggers
Knowing what helps you get into a focused mindset is crucial. For some, that means setting a timer and working in short bursts using the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break). For others, it could be starting with an easy task to build momentum or using physical movement—like stretching or a short walk—to reset your concentration.
Experiment with different strategies until you find what works. Remember, focus is like a muscle: the more you train it, the stronger it becomes. Over time, you’ll find it easier to stay present and avoid distractions.
5. Plan Ahead and Stay Organized
Time management is one of the most important skills during exam season. Start by creating a clear timetable that includes your exam dates, assignment deadlines, and personal goals. Break down subjects into smaller, manageable chunks, and schedule study blocks each day. Don’t forget to include breaks, exercise, and relaxation time to keep your mind refreshed.
When you receive your exam timetable, make a checklist for each subject. What topics need revision? Which areas do you feel confident in, and which need more work? Prioritize accordingly. A well-structured plan helps reduce anxiety, ensures full coverage of your syllabus, and keeps last-minute cramming at bay.
6. Practice Regularly and Track Progress
Practice is key to mastering any subject. Use past papers, mock exams, and timed quizzes to simulate real exam conditions. This will not only reinforce your understanding but also improve your time management and reduce test anxiety. Keep track of your scores, reflect on what went well, and identify areas for improvement.
Setting small milestones—like mastering a topic or scoring higher on a practice test—will give you a sense of progress and keep you motivated. Don’t forget to celebrate those wins!
7. Take Care of Your Wellbeing
Lastly, don’t overlook your mental and physical wellbeing. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated. A healthy body supports a healthy mind, which is essential for learning and memory retention. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone—a teacher, a parent, or a friend. You’re not alone.
Conclusion
Exams can be challenging, but with a personal study approach, a supportive environment, and consistent habits, every student can succeed. Start early, plan wisely, and listen to your own learning needs. With these strategies in place, exam season doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be empowering.