How to study effectively for KCSE/KCPE exams

  

Date Posted: 10/25/2012 2:00:12 PM

Posted By: wameyo99  Membership Level: Silver  Total Points: 345

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Every learning Institution has some kind of a test or a gauge that determines whether you are qualified to proceed to the next class or not, whether you are ready to graduate or not. Most of these tests are either in practical or theory form and they are commonly referred to as exams. Exams are dreaded by most students because they often determine what direction your future will take. You cannot dream of getting to the university if you can’t pass your exams, neither can you dream of becoming a doctor if you can’t pass your biology exam! In as much as taking exams sounds scary, you should not be afraid if you are well prepared. Being prepared for an exam will always give you the right mindset to face any test. After all, these are subjects you have been studying for quite sometime and not new things, unless you have been sleeping all along. So, what can you do to prepare yourself adequately for an exam? Here’s a look at a few effective tips to help you prepare for your exams.

Appropriate Study hours: At what time is your mind very alert? Is it in the morning, during the day or very late at night? Try to identify an appropriate time of the day that makes you tick, and then proceed to study more during this time. Studying at an optimal time will help you absorb information well and at a faster rate.

Avoid Cramming: Almost every student crams once in a while, but please don’t make it a habit. Cramming may seem appropriate especially if you have too much material to study with limited time, but it is never a good choice. Avoid cramming by planning your revision time well and long before the exam dates.

Appropriate Surrounding: Do

you study best in a noisy surrounding or a quieter one? A quieter one, I suppose. When studying, try to eliminate any distractions that may make you study less effectively. If your roommate is fond of loud music, then don’t force yourself to study in your room. Look for a quieter place e.g. the library

Past Papers and Assignments: I have had a few friends who used to study with past papers only, and they always passed their exams with flying colours. No, I am not encouraging you to study with past papers only, but just emphasizing the fact that past papers are effective materials to use while preparing for your exams. The best way to study would be to combine both past papers and reference notes. Past papers are helpful in that they act like a guide as to what you should expect in a real exam situation.

Discussion groups: Are you one of those students who prefer to study alone and never with your fellow students? If yes, then get out of your cocoon and start sharing ideas with your fellow students because discussions have been found to be very effective methods of studying. Discussing exam related topics with your colleagues helps you to retain more information than just reading.

Rewrite notes: It is advisable to rewrite notes as you read. Don’t just read as if you are reading a novel. Read, write, read, and write once more.

Take Breaks: Reading is not a sprint; it’s an activity that has to be done in moderation. Always endeavor to take breaks in between your reading sessions. The breaks don’t need to be long; 5 minutes is just enough. Go out, take a few deep breaths, stretch a bit and then go back to your reading. Taking small breaks helps you to absorb more material and also rejuvenates your brain.

Relax on the exam day: The exam day is finally here and there are some topics you haven’t read well, so what do you do? Nothing, just relax, chances are that they won’t even ask on the topics you haven’t covered. Relaxing will make you composed and put your mind at ease. This will allow you to think freely and out of the box.

For those students preparing for their exams; be it KCPE, KCSE or any other test, I do hope that these points will help you study effectively and be well prepared.

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