A lot of things have changed due to the consequences of the Corona virus – it´s therefore perfectly normal, if you lose orientation from time to time - you are far from alone.
We have gathered some advice to help you stay motivated and to support you in preparing for your online exams.
Motivation, planning and self-discipline are more important than ever - Find tips to stay motivated and see this video where Julie shows how she organize her exam preparation.
KNOW WHAT YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO
Even though a lot has changed due to corona, a lot of things also stay the same, when it comes to exams.
- Make clear what you are expected to be able to do. Exams are rarely just about being able to report the course literature, but also about what you are able to do with it. The Intended Learning outcomes can be a useful way to understand what you are expected to be able to do at an exam. Read more here.
- Use the exam preparation as an opportunity to learn. You can stage yourself as either the victim of an exam, or as the driving force for new knowledge. Choose the latter!
- Read the literature to understand it! Do not just read the course curriculum to memorize it. Work with it to understand it and compare it to what you already know.
- Know your weak points – don’t ignore them. Make sure also to study on the parts that are a bit blurry to you.
DO YOU WORRY TOO MUCH
- When normal life as we know it is put on hold for a period, it is normal that we worry more frequently.This might affect your sleep and general well-being - and that is not ideal in terms of your exam preparation.Try to take control of your thoughts and concerns – instead of letting them take over your mind. Aks yourself - What is the worst that could happen and how likely is that scenario?
- If necessary, allow yourself to worry 15 minutes a day. Any concerns that arise outside of this period should be stopped. For instance, by writing them down and then physically putting them aside.
- Contact the Student Counselling if you find it hard to let go of your concern and negative thoughts.
PREPARE FOR ORAL EXAMINATION
- Read the exam guide. Make sure to read the exam guide from your Course Manager thoroughly before your exam. If you have any doubts – ask you Course Manager! You should receive this a minimum of 7 days before your exam.
- Go through the general guidelines for oral exams. Read the general guidelines for online oral exams on ITU Student.
- Practice, practice, practice! It makes a difference! Performing well in exams is not just about knowing all your stuff or being smarter than everybody else. It is very much about how you present your knowledge.
- Train your communication skills. Your posture, your tone of voice and your body language. This is also relevant online! Find more information on oral presentations.
- Try to record a video, while you practice. Or ask a peer/your mother to give you feedback on both the content and your presentations skills.
- Make a plan. Specify to yourself, what you will be doing on the actual day of your exam. What do you need to do in order to stay calm and get hold of your nerves? Consider how long before the time of your exam, you will log in to the exam room. Prepare for waiting time
- Focus on the good things on being examined in your own home. Some students, who have already had this experience, have highlighted, that it is actually nice and calm to sit at home, where you feel safe. You are not interrupted by people around you before you enter the examination room.
And remember!
- Your lecturer and external examiner ask questions to help you fulfill the course goals. Enter the discussion with a positive attitude and do not be afraid to ask them to elaborate or rephrase their questions if you need it.
- They are not your enemy – they will help you – and basically just want you to perform well.
- Online examination is also new to them. You will help eachother get a long.
NERVOUSNESS AT EXAMS
- Everyone gets nervous at exams! You get nervous because you want to perform well – that’s normal. One of the most important things when dealing with nervousness is accepting it. It is not going to disappear, and the more you focus on it, the more it will become apparent.
- Read more about handling nervousness here.
- Find a brochure from the Student Counselling on exam nourvousness here.
AT THE DAY OF THE EXAM
- Be sure that you have tested all the technique. Find more info here.
- Make sure that you sit in your best spot – where you will feel comfortable, and that you have everything you need within your reach.
- Set up a nice background, if you are not comfortable with showing your dirty laundry laying on bed.
- Don’t be afraid to take short breaks under your examination – it makes sense to use time to think, when you are asked questions.