Exams! A source of constant consternation among parents and children alike. Every year, parents begin racking their brains, wondering how they can help their kids prepare for their tests. After all, who does not want their child to excel academically?
Parents, rest assured that we hear you, and we are glad to help! Our tuition learning centres have guided numerous students in their studies. As a result, our tutors have developed several tried and tested exam tips that have aided students in their exams. Let us share what these strategies are!
Tip #1: Devise a revision schedule
For good or ill, the mugging culture has become synonymous with Singapore’s education system. Various tales of students burning the midnight oil are as relevant today as they were decades ago. But revising the syllabus does not always entail daily cramming sessions. Often, a productive hour of regular revision is sufficient to cover what your child learns in school.
At the start of every school year, sit down with your child to devise a simple study schedule to help them develop a habit of frequent revision. Depending on your child’s learning style , you can get them to recall what they have learned in class that day by noting the information verbally or writing it in a book. This helps jolt their memories and keeps the knowledge fresh in their head.
As their exams approach, you should naturally increase the intensity of their study sessions. Early preparations make the revision less stressful since your child is already familiar with the syllabus through regular practice. Do not neglect to schedule ample breaks in between each study session to allow your child to rest and recharge.
Tip #2: Focus on the gaps in your child’s knowledge
Any well-built structure requires a sturdy foundation; this logic also applies to your child’s studies. Without a solid grasp of the basic concepts, your child will struggle with the more advanced topics introduced further in the semester. This is because the later material often builds on what was taught early in class. So if your child does not understand the basics, they will quickly fall behind their peers.
You can speak to your child’s teacher or the tutor in their tuition learning centre to discuss how your child is faring in class. Having worked with your child extensively, the teacher will understand the subjects your child excels at and areas where they struggle. Subsequently, you can tailor your child’s revision schedule to dedicate more time for your child to brush up on their weaker topics.
Tip #3: Provide your child with mock exam papers
There is a reason why many schools and tuition learning centres opt to provide their students with mock test papers and 10-year series to practise before a major examination, like the PSLE or O-Level exams. After all, practice makes perfect. Therefore, you should provide your child with plenty of opportunities to attempt exam papers in a similar format.
We recommend timing your child’s progress and mimicking the exam environment so your child can judge the pace required to finish the paper promptly. This also helps train their focus under examination conditions.
Tip #4: Hire a tutor
Yes, it seems like an obvious solution. However, that does not make it any less effective. A reliable tuition learning centre can help your child brush up on weaker topics to avoid falling behind schedule. Moreover, most tuition learning centres tend to feature smaller class sizes. Hence, the tutor can dedicate more time and attention to explaining the concepts in detail so that students better grasp the syllabus.
Tip #5: Ensure your child gets sufficient rest before their exams
As the clock ticks down to the date of their exams, your child might feel pressured to study more often to ensure they are well-prepared for the tests. While this is well-intentioned, burning the midnight oil has the opposite effect, as the brain is too tired to absorb information.
Instead, you should make sure your child gets sufficient rest, especially the night before their exams, so they feel rejuvenated for the upcoming tests. This also lets your child know that their well-being matters more than their academic results. Lastly, ensure that your child has a nutritious meal on the morning of their exam, as breakfast is known to energise one’s mind.
We hope the tips we shared have helped you better understand how you can assist your child in their exam preparations. However, it is vital to remember that grades are not everything. The objectives of examinations are not just about obtaining a good score but also about evaluating your child’s academic performance. If you notice your child requires additional help with their studies, you should consider enrolling them in a reputable tuition learning centre.
At The Junior Learners Learning Centre, we offer various academic programmes catering to students of different education levels – from preschool to secondary school. Our tuition learning centres are conveniently located across Singapore, including Pasir Ris and Tampines. If you are interested in enrolling your child in our tuition centres, do not hesitate to contact us today to enquire about our class schedules.