The end of the school year is approaching, and with it, the dreaded exam week. In the current educational system, where quantitative evaluations based on written tests and exams still hold significant relevance, exam week is a crucial time of the school year.
This evaluation period can be stressful for students. However, in today’s post, we will list some ways you can use to motivate your students during the infamous exam week.
So, let’s get started!
Why is it important to encourage students during exam week?
As we mentioned before, exam week can be challenging for students, and one way to ensure success during this evaluation period is to keep them motivated.
Here are some reasons why it is important to keep students motivated during exam week:
- It sparks interest in learning and commitment to bring out the best.
- It drives students to prepare for tests and maintain a positive attitude.
- It helps improve students’ concentration and boost their performance.
- It alleviates the stress and pressure that exam week can impose on students.
- It enhances students’ organisational abilities, improving their time management skills.
Use interactive resources to increase motivation during exam week
One way to motivate students to tackle exam week is by using interactive resources. These turn studying into a more dynamic and enjoyable experience, facilitating long-term knowledge retention. By providing your students with interactive study resources for exams, they will approach them with greater enthusiasm and interest.
Some examples of interactive resources you can use and provide to your students are:
- Interactive Quizzes: These offer immediate feedback and facilitate learning. On Additio App, you have the functionality to create interactive quizzes with different types of questions and answers, tailored to your teaching needs.
- Virtual Simulations: In certain subjects like Biology, Physics, or Natural Sciences, you can use websites that function as virtual simulations. These will allow your students to conduct scientific experiments or other activities virtually.
- Educational Videos: Providing videos to your students can increase their interest in the subject and facilitate the acquisition of information beyond the notes they take in class.
- Interactive Games: Google Arts & Culture is a digital platform where you can find numerous games and immersive experiences that will be highly motivating for your students and facilitate learning beyond the literal study of what has been covered in class.
The use of interactive resources comes with several benefits to consider:
- They make studying more fun and less monotonous.
- They require active participation from students, making them feel more involved in their learning.
- They develop students’ digital skills, preparing them for an increasingly digitised world.
- Flexibility of Access: Since these are usually open resources available all the time, students can incorporate them into their study routine whenever they wish.
However, it is also important to consider unequal access to technology and the internet, as not all families have this access. Therefore, as a teacher, ensure that all your students can access these resources or offer necessary alternatives.
Offer organizational tools and promote well-being
Continuing with tips to motivate students during exam week, one way to support your students is by providing them with various tools that will be useful for organization and promoting their well-being.
In terms of organizational tools, you can teach your students effective study techniques that will improve their productivity and study habits, such as using flashcards, the Pomodoro technique, or creating diagrams and concept maps.
For tools to improve students’ well-being during exam week, you can teach them the benefits of meditation or other relaxation techniques they can use to avoid stress during these days. You can also incorporate recreational activities between exams, such as listening to music, doing some sports, or having a small group breakfast to relieve tension.
Create a positive environment during exam week
Ensure your classroom has good lighting and that the desks are well-arranged, avoiding an overwhelming layout. This will help your students feel more at ease while taking their exams.
Additionally, you can send encouraging messages to your students that are inspiring and reassuring as they prepare for their exams.
Another way to ensure a positive environment is by making sure your students feel comfortable sharing their concerns with you, so you can offer the necessary support. You can even seek the help of the school’s educational psychologist to guide students who might need additional support.
Emphasize the importance of self-motivation
In addition to providing strategies and support tools to students as a teacher, it is important for students to practice self-motivation techniques. To achieve this, it is essential for students to set their own goals and objectives related to their exams.
It is also important for students to have a clear understanding of their academic progress throughout the course and to see how far they have come with effort and perseverance. Your role as a teacher is crucial in this regard, as providing constant feedback helps students understand their learning process and development. Utilizing communication tools like Additio App, you can send evaluations in real time, which will help students stay informed about their academic progress.
How do you work to motivate your students during exam week?
The dreaded exam week has always been a source of stress for many students, but as teachers, we can lighten the load and reduce stress. How do you motivate your students during this week? We want to hear your strategies, share them with us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.
Good luck during exam week!