5 mistakes never to make during exams
What are the most common mistakes that far too many students lose sight of during exams? Hear what an experienced teacher and student counsellor has to say about it.
In his role as examiner, Morten Kier has assessed many students. A lot of students.
As external examiner and teacher at IBA International Business Academy, Morten Kier has participated in tons of exams. Concurrently, he works as a student counsellor, for example helping students overcome pre-exam nerves.
Get his best advice for what not to do at an exam – and what you can do instead.
1. Leave your inner time optimist at home
Be there in good time before the exam. There is no reason to come running into the room with a racing heart. Likewise, you can pack your bag the day before to help create a more relaxed exam atmosphere.
2. Let go of your high expectations
Keep your focus on learning – and that learning is cool – instead of focusing on being a straight A-student. Then, you will most often see the results come naturally! You might not know this, but Albert Einstein failed his first entrance exam, so you can take it easy knowing that this exam is not going to decide your life and career.
3. Don’t expect the external examiner to read your mind
Perhaps you’ll think: “Please don’t make the teacher interrupt me”. If this worries you, then write an email to your teacher, telling him or her what you will need during the exam! This is quite all right and a good way of letting the teacher know how to help you do well at the exam.
4. Don’t keep your feelings to yourself
If you feel it is tough taking exams, or if you get very nervous, talk to someone about it: family, friends or a student counsellor.
5. Don’t improvise
Improvisation does the trick for stand-up comedians, not so much for exam goers. Think about it, you will also not be improvising in your professional life. If you make an effort and spend time on preparations, you will do much better in your job and at the exam.