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ToggleExam time is a stressful period for students. Performance anxiety, self-doubt, and the rush to complete the portion before the exams add to the nervousness and lead to exhaustion.
Mental fatigue coupled with physical exhaustion from studying for extended periods can take a toll on the students and affect their performance and results.
It is, therefore, imperative, that parents and teachers take measures to keep the students motivated and cheerful while preparing for, and during, their exams.
International schools in Kuala Lumpur ensure that their students have the flexibility in choosing subjects and get the best guidance during the academic year.
They believe that a stress-free mindset helps students study better and prepare well for their exams. It helps them concentrate on their studies and perform without any added pressures.
We would like to share 7 tried and tested ways to motivate students during exams and help them achieve their examination goals.
1. Setting Goals
Setting goals before preparing for the exams helps students stay focused. They are well aware of what they wish to achieve and work better towards achieving it.
Setting goals helps them persevere and put in the extra effort. The determination to achieve their goals propels them towards working hard with singular focus and, thus, performing brilliantly.
This determination also negates any anxiety they may have, as they are sure of themselves and ready to face the self-doubt that may haunt them while studying.
Setting goals, thus, creates positive feelings within them and helps them stay motivated and excited about achieving those goals.
2. Positivity for Mind and Body Through Exercising
Physical exercise, such as yoga, running, aerobics, or dance helps a great deal in keeping students motivated and positive during exams.
Engaging in these physical activities releases endorphins that trigger a positive feeling. It helps relieve pent-up energy and stress, enhances the mood, and improves their attention span and concentration.
Exercising regularly, preferably in the early mornings, helps students feel energized and excited. It results in a positive attitude and acts as the best motivator to help them stay focused.
Exercise also brings relief from anxiety and depression. It helps them sleep better, too, which leads to a fresh frame of mind upon waking up in the mornings.
As part of the Key Stage 4 curriculum followed at the international schools in Kuala Lumpur, students are encouraged to participate in sports. It serves as an essential interlude between their hectic schedules and provides much-needed relief from stress and anxiety.
3. Offer Constructive Feedback
Providing the right feedback gives students a clear picture of the efforts they put into their studies. It helps them understand if what they are doing is accurate and up to the mark or needs further improvement or a different approach.
Constructive feedback is essential in motivating students while preparing for exams. It helps improve productivity and prevents errors and wastage of time.
The faculty at the international schools in Kuala Lumpur use personalized teaching methods for their students to help them perform their best.
They offer students of the Key Stage 4 curriculum the latest teaching techniques and campus facilities to help hone their skills. This gives the students support and guidance all through the year, which reflects in their performance.
4. Offer Encouragement and Praise
A few words of encouragement make a huge difference to a student’s morale. It tells them that they are on the right path and should continue putting in efforts to maintain consistency in their performance.
Words of praise offered at the right time are crucial for their confidence. Recognizing their efforts and applauding them gives them a much-needed boost and bolsters confidence, especially as they prepare for their exams.
It helps them realize that they are being given the attention they deserve and, thus, feel less alone or anxious while studying.
5. Use Practice Tests
Practice tests help monitor the students’ progress as they prepare for their exams. Many sample tests on different subjects are available online. Using such tests every week will also help them stay on track.
Such weekly tests cover small parts of their syllabus and give them a chance to cover those topics thoroughly before they move on to the next.
These tests are a wonderful way to not only motivate them but also ensure better preparation for their final exams. Such regular tests cover the entire syllabus in parts without putting pressure on them and help them gauge their progress from time to time.
The international schools in Kuala Lumpur hold regular assessments to assess the students’ progress. These assessments help the teachers observe their students’ performance and offer extra guidance to those who need it, in any particular subject.
6. Pair Them with a Study Buddy
Encourage students to find a study buddy to work with. This is a good way to hold themselves accountable and keep tabs on how well they are focusing on their studies.
Pairing them with students of different strengths and weaknesses will allow them to assess each other’s work. They will also get a chance to work on a variety of exercises and improve their performance.
Working with their friends encourages healthy competition and motivates them to put in their best. They also get a chance to learn from each other and improve their performance and timing.
7. Encourage Self-Care
The phrase, “All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy,” is apt for students, especially while preparing for exams. Exam times are hectic. Studying for extended periods leaves no time for recreation.
Encourage students to take small breaks during the day for doing something they enjoy, such as a hobby. Co-curricular activities, such as singing, painting, or reading, provide emotional nourishment and improve their performance.
Hobbies also maintain their mental health and help them concentrate better. It is one of the secrets to better performance during exams of many toppers worldwide!
Conclusion
Exams are an important part of a student’s educational journey, and performing well is a necessity. Offering motivation and encouragement are paramount during these hectic times to ensure better focus and performance followed by brilliant results.