The Exam Skills Handbook

Chapter 1. Introduction

Abstract

This book takes a completely different approach to exams. It looks at them through the filter of extra-ordinary experience, which can lead to exceptional personal performance.

Stella Cottrell

Chapter 2. Where do I start?

Abstract

This chapter supports you in:

• identifying where to start in your exam preparation
• understanding exams, why they are set and their potential benefits
• developing self-awareness about ‘exam success’
• identifying programme expectations
• identifying resources you need for exam preparation
• recognising the most appropriate environment for you to work in

Stella Cottrell

Chapter 3. Getting in ‘the zone’ (i): Planning for peak performance

Abstract

This chapter supports you in:

• understanding the concept of ‘peak performance’
• considering the experience of ‘the zone’
• identifying your own response to ‘critical moments’ that affect peak performance
• evaluating your personal characteristics for managing peak performance
• formulating a plan to help you achieve your best performance

Stella Cottrell

Chapter 4. Getting in ‘the zone’ (ii): Frames of mind for peak performance

Abstract

This chapter supports you in:

• understanding the importance of attitude to exam performance
• developing self-awareness about your attitude to exams
• identifying triggers that are likely to promote or inhibit the right frame of mind
• keeping exams in perspective
• setting realistic goals

Stella Cottrell

Chapter 5. Exam myths and realities

Abstract

This chapter supports you in:

• demystifying the exam process
• understanding how to interpret rumours about exams — and why these arise
• gaining a clearer understanding of the variety of ways in which people approach exams
• developing and maintaining your confidence in the face of potential attempts to unsettle you
• identifying unhelpful attitudes and strategies, so that you can avoid these
• identifying approaches for particular aspects of exam strategy

Stella Cottrell

Chapter 6. What are examiners looking for?

Abstract

This chapter supports you in:

• demystifying the exam process
• understanding how examiners mark exam answers and allocate marks
• considering the implications for your own exam strategy
• recognising characteristics of good exam answers
• understanding the words used in exam questions
• interpreting exam questions

Stella Cottrell

Chapter 7. Revision strategies

Abstract

This chapter supports you in:

• understanding what is meant by revision
• recognising common mistakes, to help you avoid these
• preparing a revision timetable
• identifying different ways of revising
• making revision a more interesting and enjoyable experience
• revising with other people

Stella Cottrell

Chapter 8. Memory: Remembering what we want, when we need it

Abstract

This chapter supports you in:

• understanding your memory so you can use it more effectively
• managing memory anxiety
• identifying what you need to remember for exams
• training your memory to improve recall
• devising mnemonics to recall details
• building knowledge architectures to support your memory efficiency

Stella Cottrell

Chapter 9. Structured revision sessions

Abstract

This chapter supports you in:

• recognising the importance of planning your revision sessions
• identifying practical revision activities
• improving your information management to support revision
• planning individual revision sessions
• developing a revision strategy that builds on previous revision sessions
• using practice questions and mock exams effectively

Stella Cottrell

Chapter 10. Stress, health and performance

Abstract

This chapter supports you in:

• recognising signs of stress
• identifying possible causes of stress
• identifying actions you can take to manage stress and anxiety
• developing techniques to create mental calm
• understanding the links between health, stress and performance

Stella Cottrell

11. Getting in ‘the zone’ (iii): Seeing success

Abstract

This chapter supports you in:

• preparing a state of mind that promotes exam success
• identifying how you achieve at your best
• using ‘imaging techniques’ to help your exam preparation

Stella Cottrell

Chapter 12. The exam

Abstract

This chapter supports you in:

• managing your time effectively before the exam
• undertaking emergency revision measures if you started your revision late
• making final preparations for the exam
• using exam time effectively
• selecting and answering questions
• finding answers to frequently asked questions
• learning from the exam to improve future performance

Stella Cottrell

Chapter 13. Multiple choice question exams (MCQs)

Abstract

This chapter supports you in:

• understanding what examiners are looking for in multiple choice exams
• knowing how multiple choice questions are structured
• interpreting different kinds of multiple choice questions
• revising for MCQ exams
• devising strategies for managing MCQ exams
• getting into the zone for MCQ exams

Stella Cottrell

Chapter 14. Managing different types of exam

Abstract

This chapter supports you in preparing for:

• ‘open book’ and resource-based exams
• oral examinations
• oral examinations with presentations
• oral examinations with posters
• short answer tests
• technical questions

Stella Cottrell