10 Study Tricks to Score in Exams

Study tips to ace that exam

Exams are an integral part of society’s way of gauging an individual’s capabilities. Some children are able to cope with this requirement and perform well, but there are a good percentage of children who falter during this seemingly very crucial stage.

Most parents actively research ways to help their kids, do better in exams, and there is certainly a whole reservoir of information available in many forms to assist in this important area.

Here are 10 different ways that can be explored in the quest, to help your child study and score better in exams...

1. What is your child's learning style?

There are three primary learning styles - Auditory, visual or tactile. Auditory learning refers to a learning style in which a person learns through listening. Visual learning is a learning style in which ideas, concepts and data are associated with images. Tactile learning a learning style in which learning takes place by the student carrying out a physical activity.

Most children don't just rely on one learning style but a combination of styles. Understanding your child's learning style is very important in ensuring the time set aside for studying is not wasted.

2. Take notes in class

Encourage your child to take notes in class when their teacher is speaking.

According to a teaching and learning handout from Stanford University, "notes trigger memories...and are often a source of valuable clues for what information the instructor thinks most important (i.e., what will show up on the next test)." Notes also inscribes information kinesthetically and helps you to concentrate in class.

Also encourage your child to carry around their notes and refer to the notes when they are "killing time" - like waiting for the bus or dinner to be served.

3. Past year exam questions

Doing past year exam questions is one of the best ways to help your child not only get a good idea of the test style but will also help your child identify the more popular topics. This is invaluable, as the fluency and skill in answering such questions will be refined through experience.

4. Practice makes perfect

Doing a lot of questions and exercises is also another way to train your child to cope with the eventual pressure of writing the exam. There are many workbooks available to help your child in this area. These workbooks can assist your child is timing themselves and building confidence.

5. Work on weaknesses

Analyzing your child’s past exam experience and answer sheets together may help identify weaknesses and work towards making improvements.

6. Regular revision

Some children tend to leave studying to the last possible minute. If this style works for you child, you may not want to be too zealous in attempting to change this routine, however, you could set aside discussion times with your child way before the exam, where facts on a particular subject is extensively discussed. This is one way of getting your child to put in some study time, earlier instead of at the last minute.

7. Mimic the exam scenario

Encourage your child to spend a little time going over the test when it is presented and then work on the sections that he/she is most comfortable with first.

It is important to remind your child to remember to go over the whole test carefully to ensure nothing is left undone.

8. Ensure your child sleeps early

According to a study by neurology professor Clifford B. Saper, losing sleep impairs our alertness and empathy, two cognitive abilities crucial to performing well on exams. "Trying to stay up late and cram for a test is probably the very worst thing you could do," Said Dr Saper.

9. Drink water

A 2012 study conducted in London showed that students who took a drink into the exam hall did up to 10 per cent better than those who did not. It is believed that drinking a glass of water just before the exam is said to help the brain cells, calm nervous and enhance concentration.

10. Good diet

Diet can also play a part in boosting better exam results as certain foods such as nuts, berries, fish and whole grains are considered good "brain foods".

Besides eating right - remind or get your kids to eat at regular intervals because this helps keep nutrient and energy levels stable.

Also, make sure that your kids don’t stuff themselves because big meals will slow your kid down mentally and physically.