Edward Morgan, the brilliant British penman observed, “As long as learning is connected with earning, as long as certain jobs can only be reached through exams; so we must take this examination system very seriously.”
Right at the onset, we must admit that being able to pen appropriate responses in exams is the real deal. Exams focuses on the overall understanding of content taught. KCSE explores the scope of what candidates have covered as spelt out in syllabus objectives and KNEC assessment areas. There is the exigent need of recalling facts learnt earlier. The clever clue clings on the ability to collect, collate and express knowledge. KCSE tests high-level skills within the Blooms Taxonomy.
Sometimes, examiners re-visit areas poorly performed in the previous exams as brought out in KNEC reports. Then, candidates should prepare to tackle the unpredictable nature of exams. In a book titled Everyday Steps to Success, J.M. Thiong’o, a teacher at Alliance Girls’ High School argues that exams require: confidence, accurate responses, logical arrangement, serious sequence and unity of thought.
Plenty of preparation is the perfect antidote to tension that tightens. As Form Fours sit to write KCSE exams, they should know that it is not the be-all and end-all. It is not the only determinant of success in life. They will have to connect a lot of dots in life. Over and above, while preparing for exams, it is important to visualize success. See and seize it by focusing on pleasant scenes. This is in perfect agreement with the wise words of Napoleon Hill; “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve.”
Advisedly, link relevant concepts as you focus on subject of revision. Likewise, focus on relevant content. As part of preparation for the last lap, use multiple senses. Pen brief points you should solidify. It is good to engage in productive group discussions. It is prudent to press the best buttons. Understand exam layout and format. Some students ignore it. Yet, it is important to focus on nature of questions.
Then, for students who are pious and prayerful, it is not advisable to fast during exams. It is also unwise to eat a lot before exams. It is equally wrong to go to the exam room on an empty stomach. In a book titled How to Study, Joseph G. Donders issues a stern warning; During exams, do not stay up to late in the night. It is important to have quality sleep. Remember to remain confident and composed. Shun exam fear and fever. Do not cram. Avoid cheating in exams. For lack of academic integrity is highly punishable. It can put the whole centre in a problem.
Use revision tools like diagrams to fine-tune final facts. Keep calm and consolidate the existing knowledge rather than trying to learn new topics. Go through summary notes to align important facts. Remain sane and sober. Carry all that you need in the exam room depending on the subject requirement. Read the raft of rules and regulations. Take a realistic view of the test. Sitting for an exam is not a death sentence or punishment.
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It is important to crave for peace of mind. Steady your nerves as you take a deep breath. It is also right to say a prayer for grace and peace. It is advisable to arrive in the exam venue quite early. Maintain the right sitting posture. Focus on best reading, thinking and writing position.
It is important to spend time well on every question. Read and understand them in an in-depth manner. In another treasure-trove titled Secrets to Exam Success, Otieno J. posits that it is important to know exam terminologies. Then, form a well-ordered answer in the mind before penning down anything.
Essays should be woven well. Draw diagrams and sketch graphs properly. The handwriting has to be neat, tidy and organized. Examiners expect you to write right. Good command of English is of essence. Likewise, proof-read your work to correct grievous goofs. Do not discuss a paper you have just sat for. The focus should be on the next one. It can dampen your spirit when you come across a question you missed. What you missed should not disturb your peace of mind. Just be optimistic for peerless performance in the next paper. It is healthy to have ample time to relax a bit before you begin preparing for next papers.
Lastly, as you write exams, do not annoy examiners. In the best booklet titled Exam Success Tips, Caesar Peraza talks about nine calibres of candidates that irk examiners.
There is the Road-runner who does not read the question carefully enough, but rushes to answer. There is the Politician who answers the how when the answer should focus on the why. There is the Waffler who spends the examination time writing hogwash hence bores examiner to death. There is the Correspondent who writes notes to the examiner. There is the Clairvoyant who thinks that the examiner can understand a page of disconnected figures. There is the Collage-maker who tries to cover two or more pages with meaningless responses. There is the Abbreviator whose writing is so difficult to decipher. There is the Exemplar who do not give a general point, but instead, cites a series of examples, and expects the examiner to know the answers. Then, there is the Tautologist who answers questions by repeating, for example; ‘Banks are useful because they are important’.
© Victor Ochieng’
The writer rolls out talks and training services in schools. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232.
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