exams – SarawakYES!

Some DON’Ts to remember before exams

The exam weeks are finally here!

Students around the country may either feel anxious to get it over with or embrace it with anticipation because you have been preparing for it for months.

During this tough time, each student may develop their own study techniques and strategies.

However, we felt that we should also remind students of the things they should definitely avoid at this point in time.

DON’T use social media

Facebook, YouTube and Instagram are fun but they can also be distracting, especially when you are trying to focus.

During exam weeks, do avoid them at all cost because, as you know all too well, once you stray there, it’s like entering the social media ‘black hole’.

DON’T follow other people’s study methods

When it comes to studying, everyone is wired differently.

For instance, your friend might prefer to study in a group while you prefer to be alone with your headphones. So, don’t feel pressured to follow others.

It is important that you feel comfortable while studying so that you can be more focused and ready to take on the tests.

DON’T stay up late

If you think studying all night without getting a good night’s sleep will get you high marks, you better think again.

Pulling an all-nighter before taking an exam is not a good idea because the chances of you recalling what you have learned are low.

So, do get a proper night’s sleep because your brain needs a rest too.

DON’T eat junk food

For most, it is easy to turn to food as a way to unwind and destress. However, you might want to keep the stress eating under control by not taking too much junk food while studying.

Instead, opt for healthier options such as fruits and nuts.

And while we are in the subject of food, do try to avoid consuming too much caffeine and energy drinks.

DON’T panic

Last, but definitely not least, do not panic because the more you panic, the more mistakes you will end up making.

If you stumble upon a question that totally stumps you, just move on to the next one and stay confident in your preparations.

So, good luck and all the best!

This is a weekly column by SarawakYES! – an initiative driven by Faradale Media-M Sdn Bhd and supported by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak – to provide advice and stories on the topics of education and careers to support Sarawakians seeking to achieve their dreams. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

This article first appeared on The Borneo Post, visit this link: http://bit.ly/2OQ1yda

Tips to studying effectively

With lots of facts to memorise and absorb, there are times when studying seems more like a chore.

Studying may appear effortless for some students, but for others the struggle is real. As you find your concentration depleting, so does your enthusiasm for learning.

However, the ability to study is something that you can train yourself to be better at. Luckily, there are creative ways to help you study and excel.

For effective studying, here are some simple and practical tips that you can apply into your usual study methods.

Create colourful diagrams

If you have a set of fancy stationery, colourful post-it notes and highlighters, now is the best time to use them as visual aids that can be helpful when revising. Also, you are more likely to use them to create your own notes and diagrams.

Producing creative drawings such as diagrams and mind maps to illustrate what you have learned not only makes revision fun, but also helps you to memorize notes better.

In addition, these drawings can motivate you to create more notes in the future for effective learning.

Choose a good place to study

One of the keys to effective studying is choosing the right place and time, and this may differ for each student.

Sometimes, a change of scenery can help in regaining your enthusiasm for studying, whether it is the local library, a coffee shop or the park.

And while some students learn better when they study somewhere more private and quiet, others concentrate better with background noise as their company.

However, if being outside is not possible, do consider studying elsewhere in your house.

Take regular breaks

Studies have found that taking a break to relax and unwind is essential for achieving productivity and a positive outlook on the future, as well as improving one’s concentration.

This may also apply for young working adults who are working long hours in front of a computer or university students who are pulling all-nighters to study.

This article first appeared on The Borneo Post, published in the print version on Saturday, September 29, 2018.

In the best form for the exams

For many young Malaysians, November would be quite a hectic and stressful month, especially for those sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) right now.

After a year (or two) of preparing for this crucial exam, most would probably know what to expect on the test papers handed out to them on the actual day. However, since SPM and many of our public exams last for more than a week, have you made any preparations to stay in the best physical and mental health to improve your chances of success?

The following tips are very simple and should also be easy for you to follow and hopefully allow you prepare better for your exams:

Sleep well

During these exam weeks, many students would be tempted to pull an all-nighter to cram for the following day’s test. You must realise that if your brain is fatigued, it will be hard for you not only to retain information but also recall it when you need it most. With that in mind, you will be more effective by following a reasonable sleep schedule.

Eat healthily

This tip should not just be for tackling examinations, but should be your way of life. However, this tip is more of a reminder to stay away from unhealthy foods as they can negatively affect your exam preparations. If possible, go for more lean meats, nuts, fruits, and vegetables and avoid eating too much sugar and heavily processed food.

Most importantly, have a proper breakfast, with food such as eggs or oats, to ensure your energy levels are high. Again, try to avoid foods high in sugar, as they may not help you last for the whole exam paper.

Stay active

Make sure you take some time to remove yourself from your books once in a while to exercise or have a light workout. At the very least, take a short walk, as some studies indicate that even that has been proven to be able to boost you mentally and improve your memory. A good workout can also help to calm the nerves and it’s a great way to relieve stress as well.

Remove distractions

This tip will be quite hard for some, as it involves looking away from your electronic gadgets’ screens. Keeping yourself focused on exam preparations will require sacrificing your time checking up on the latest updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Social media can be a huge time-suck so always remember what’s at risk if you happen to find yourself distracted by it. However, as a reward for being able to focus well on your studies you could give yourself 10 minutes of Internet time during your breaks. But remember; always be mindful of the time.

Don’t compare answers!

Immediately after your test is over, do avoid the temptation to ask your classmates or friends about it. The obvious downside of this is that your confidence could be shattered if you find out that you answered a few questions wrongly.

Rather than comparing the exam questions and answers with them, your focus should immediately be on the next paper. The most important thing to remember is that you gave it your best and now it’s time to do the best you can for the rest of the exams.

All the best!

This is a weekly column by SarawakYES! – an initiative driven by Faradale Media-M Sdn Bhd and supported by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak – to provide advice and stories on the topics of education and careers to support Sarawakians seeking to achieve their dreams. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

This article first appeared on The Borneo Post, visit this link: http://bit.ly/2gcbzBP

Image Source: TMAB2003 @ flickr.com