Semester Exam Study Tips
7 Scientific-Based Strategies Teens Can Use to Prepare for Semester Exams
As semester exams draw near, parents, teachers, and students everywhere are gathering together, pooling resources, and placing a large emphasis on preparation. Exams are specially-designed to gauge a student’s retention level and their mastery of skills and concepts presented during the first half of the school year.
Let’s learn 7 scientific-based methods that teenagers can use to properly prepare for semester exams.
Strategy #1: Study in Small Intervals
A lot of people make the mistake of cramming for a test. Scientifically, this has been proven ineffective. It is best to study in short intervals of 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
In between each interval, a break should be taken of 10 to 15 minutes. According to research, it has been determined that distributed learning over short intervals with appropriate breaks in more effective in terms of long-term memory retention than consistently cramming over long periods of time with no breaks.
Strategy #2: Consume Brainfood: Superfoods and Antioxidants
Teenagers should be provided with foods that are high in fiber, carbohydrates, and are known to slowly digest when studying for exams.
Research shows that when one engages in studying, the brain consumes a high level of glucose.
By taking regular breaks and consuming the previously mentioned food ingredients and types, the body is able to produce the nutritional “fuel” that is necessary to focus and retain information.
Examples of ideal foods during study sessions include yogurt, oatmeal, fruits, and almonds.
Strategy #3: Encourage Cardio Activities
According to medical professionals, cardio-based physical activities are highly beneficial in focus and memory improvement.
Teens should be encouraged to walk, jog, dance, and engage in similar exercises during study sessions.
Exercise improves energy, increase blood flow, improve oxygen levels, and combats the natural stress that occurs as semester examinations draw near.
Strategy #4: Employ Time Management Techniques
As semester exams roll around, students will often struggle to learn each subject and will neglect other aspects of their life – such as recreational activities – in order to get in more study time.
In order to boost performance, it is important to create a time management schedule that balances study time, recreational activities, extracurricular activities, and familytime.
Additionally, students should rotate through subjects in order to get the most exposure to the most content. “Cram” sessions and not engaging in any type of entertaining activity may place an undue amount of stress and strain on students.
Strategy #5: Minimize all Distractions
Many teenagers claim that they study better by listening to music, having a television running in the background, being able to access their social media accounts, or by having friends over.
The simple fact of the matter that all distractions are just that – distracting. Distractions should be minimized. This way, the teen is able to focus and retain information.
If they require background noise in order to concentrate, instrumental music may be utilized. It is believed that instrumental music actually helps in activating the learning centers of the brain.
Strategy #6: Use an Academic Coach
Academic coaches have the ability to customize a semester exam study schedule based on the strengths and weaknesses of a teen.
They are trained to help them develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills.
If you want your teen to perform optimally,enlisting this type of educational professional will prove to be highly beneficial.
Strategy #7: Tutoring Throughout the School Year
If you want your teen to perform their best on the semester exams and the final exams, you should have them see a tutor throughout the school year.
By consistently working with a tutor, the teen’s brain will learn and retain information much more effectively.
Then, when test time rolls around, they are quickly able to pull the information that they need to achieve success.
We Can Help
Here at Miracle Math Coaching, we offer many different educational opportunities for teenagers.
We specialize in tutoring, academic coaching, test taking skills, and many other areas of interest.
Our goal is to ensure your child maximizes their potential and that the brain develops in such a way that it consistently grows and expands as the child grows and expands in their knowledge.
We use brain-based learning techniques with a heart-led learning environment.
Best of all, we customize your child’s experience based on who they are, how they learn, what they excel in, and areas of struggle.
We are sure you will see instant results.
Contact us today for more information:
