Wendel Abel - I AM WHAT I THINKANGUISH, FEAR, anxiety and worry. These are some of the common emotions that grip many persons when preparing for examinations. For many individuals examination is a very unnerving experience and a time of great stress. Apart from the usual jitters some persons experience severe anxiety and depression, which may affect their preparation and performance in examinations. This article is a follow up to the one I wrote last year on study tips. I hope you were able to implement some of the suggestions.
1. Study, study, study
The only way to pass examinations is to study. For each hour of class time most persons need to spend one to two hours of study time.
2. Organise yourself
Establish a study schedule. This schedule should include a detail timetable of your study activities. If you haven't started to study, you need to start now.
3. Be familiar with your study guide or syllabus.
Study guides and syllabuses are very important. They highlight the areas that we need to place priority on. Many courses have core areas and if these are not covered it may be difficult to pass the examination.
4. Revision is the key to success. Start familiarising yourself with the examination process. It is important that you start doing sample examination questions. Do not leave this for the last moment. Make sure you know what is required in the examination. Essay type exams require a general knowledge of a field with in-depth knowledge of a few areas. For multiple-choice exams one may have to memorise formulas and general facts.
5. Many persons become extremely anxious as they prepare for examinations. Adequate preparation will reduce the anxiety and fears. Familiarise yourself with common relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercise. These will reduce tension and anxiety.
6. Pay attention to your diet, have adequate sleep and exercise. It is important that you eat right. It is important that you have adequate sleep. If you are tired you won't be able to study and retain much. It is important that you have adequate exercise while studying. The benefits gained by exercising far outweigh the time spent in exercise. Furthermore it allows you to study better and more efficiently. Avoid food high in sugar and caffeine, these may only give a temporary high.
7. Positive self-talk is important. Do not harbour negative thoughts and ideas. Place positive affirmations in your room and study area.
8. Study in groups. Group work may be helpful. This is particularly useful for some subjects that involve a lot of discussion. Studying in a group can also be fun. Ensure that the group is focused and productive.
9. Avoid last minute cramming. Information learnt at the last minute is easily forgotten. Last minute cramming only increases your stress levels.
Dr. Wendel Abel is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer, University of the West Indies.
