Sharpen Your Winning Edge in Exam Performance By Mr. Alan Yip

The reason I typed the gist of this article is to share it with someone. Hopefully it is of some use. Those in bold are points that even I myself have not practised before. I hope to remember it and practised it too. By the way, the author, Mr. Alan Yip is a Chief Trainer of Mind Edge.

Sharpen Your Winning Edge in Exam Performance
By Mr. Alan Yip

1. Prepare, prepare and prepare.
• Start preparing exams as early as possible.
• Use the Divide and Conquer strategy: cut your studies into smaller chunks for easy mental digestion and maximum retention over the remaining weeks. Set aside several days prior to exam for intensive review and reciting information in writing.

2. Study Smart
• You will remember more information if you chunk your study time into blocks of 30-45 minutes, followed by a short break of 5-10 minutes.
• The Interference Theory warns us not to study same or similar subjects one immediately after another – new and similar information replaces old information.
• During the break, refrain from engaging in other mind-stimulating activities such as playing computer games or listening to popular music which will disturb the consolidation and retention of information in our subconscious mind.

3. Don’t Waste Time – Discipline!
You must concentrate on your studies at hand and eliminate distractions. Self-discipline is crucial. However be sure to get enough sleep, avoid skipping meals and exercise regularly. You can’t have a sharp mind and good concentration from a weak body.

4. Visualise Success

“Whatever the mind can conceive, it can achieve.”

Hence you should see in your mind the picture of achieving your goals in a colourful, exciting and emotional fashion. Practice this 3 times a day: in the morning, during the day and at bedtime.

5. Tame The Exam Tiger
• On exam day, quickly review key points before the test. Don not takes in new information. Take a short brisk walk to get your blood circulation going to increase your mental alertness. Don’t do any strenuous exercise.
• Refrain from talking to nervous students before the exam. Don’t waste time checking answers with others after the exam. Study for the next exam instead!
• Visualise yourself doing well on exam. Never talk to yourself negatively.
• Preview or survey the entire exam paper – quickly. Check out the types and numbers of questions and point allocation. Develop a plan of attack and manage your time.
• For combination exam, attack essay questions first by writing down key points for each question. Note you should spend 10% of time allotted to each question to warm up your brain. Then work on MCQ and as other main points pop up for essay questions, add them to the previous list. Once you finish MCQ, you will be in better shape to tackle the essay questions. Your subconscious mind has been working on the essay questions while your conscious mind on MCQ.
• Understand each question carefully and answer adequately and concisely. Don’t go overboard. Make every word count!
• When you find yourself beginning to panic, Relax. Close your eyes, deep breathe for 10 seconds, and imagine yourself studying those questions or topics. By remaining positive, you will have a better fighting chance in passing exams with flying colours.