The first exams are rapidly approaching for students who entered higher education this year, and preparing for these require a complete new mindset compared to school exams, an education expert says.

“The difference lies in how your learning is being assessed,” says Nola Payne, Head of Faculty: Information Technology at The Independent Institute of Education.

“In school assessments, your competence is measured in terms of knowledge, associated skills and application of that knowledge. For each assessment, it was important to understand which aspect would be the focus of the specific test. But in higher education, the various aspects are often assessed together, so you must make sure your answers – in tests, exams, portfolios or projects – showcase your competence on all levels at all times.”

Payne says that all students would by now have handed in work to be assessed, and have received detailed feedback to help them develop their abilities as a higher education student so that they would be ready for their first exams.

“By now you will know how successful you are in making the transition from learner to student.

You can make that feedback work for you in your preparation for your first semester exams.

“Furthermore, your results so far will give you an indication of how well you need to perform in your first exams, in order to be able to proceed with your course.”

Payne says first years’ current subjects are purposely designed to help them achieve the qualification for which they         enrolled. 

“This should make it easier for you, because you have an   interest in this field and are therefore more motivated to    perform well in these assessments.   It is also true that at higher education level the links between subjects become more obvious, and effort put in to one often helps you       succeed in others.” 

She says that besides the usual advice offered when preparing for exams in general - a structured study plan, eating well and getting enough sleep - there are other academic strategies first years can use to maximise their potential and performance.

“Most higher education exams expect you to apply            information to case studies or examples.  The best method of preparation is always practise – find past papers and write them and get friends to assess them. This helps you train yourself to deal with pressure, you measure your learning and you develop your understanding of how a course is assessed.”

If you’re still unsure about a section of work, make an      appointment to see your lecturer or tutor for a clearer        explanation. “But go to this meeting prepared. You should take specific questions with you and not just say “I don’t   understand anything”.                                 

Shelly Stamatiades

LANGE 360—Strategic Communications

Zoom