Lesson 8: Exam Training (but less boring)

• newEditor
• LessonUp
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)
• BTEC, GCSE

Introductie

The exam period is an exciting yet often stressful time for students. They struggle with planning, concentration, exam anxiety, and balancing study with relaxation. The lesson series Exam Boost supports students in preparing for their exams in a structured and calm way. These lessons are light-hearted, interactive, and immediately applicable, helping students to study effectively without feeling overwhelmed. The focus is on practical strategies they can use right away, such as smart planning, managing stress, building healthy habits, and studying more efficiently. Each lesson includes: A short introduction presenting a relatable scenario. Interactive elements like polls, quiz questions, and practical tasks to actively engage students. Concrete tips and exercises to help students take immediate action. A closing reflection where students share what they’re taking away from the lesson and how they’ll apply it. The lessons can be delivered individually or as a complete series. The goal is not only to help students succeed, but also to teach them how to do so with a healthy mindset and without unnecessary stress.

Instructies

Short introduction for the teacher:

Many students find exam preparation boring and demotivating, but practising is essential for a good result. In this lesson, they will learn active and playful ways to make exam preparation more enjoyable and effective.

Exam training

(but less boring)

Lesson: 8

What revsion methods do you use?

1

Alone, in silence.

2

Together with a friend.

3

With quizzes or apps.

4

I (almost) never revise.

5

Other...

How do you prefer to study?

Poll

Discuss why varying study methods helps with better retention of material:

Using a mix of study techniques (like flashcards, summarising, group discussions, and apps) activates different parts of the brain and keeps the process engaging. This reduces boredom, strengthens memory through repetition in different formats, and helps you understand the material more deeply. It also makes it easier to recall information in different contexts—like during an exam.

Which method of studying 

works best?

A

Read through everything once.

B

Only look at the summary.

C

Repeating topics a lot, the night before the exam.

D

Actively practise with questions and tasks.

Quiz

Explain why active processing is more effective than passive reading.

Active processing, such as answering questions, summarising material, or teaching the content to someone else, engages the brain more deeply. This type of learning helps create stronger neural connections and improves long-term retention. In contrast, passive reading only involves recognition, which doesn’t reinforce the material as effectively. Active processing encourages critical thinking and allows you to apply knowledge, making it more likely to stick when you need it.

Try a different study method

1

Choose a new study method

2

Apply this method, and see if it more effective - then repeat the process!

3

Choose a piece of study material.

Try a different study method...

Choose a piece of study material.

Choose a new study method

(flashcards, quizzes, 

self-testing).

Apply this method, and see if it more effective - then repeat the process!

Step: 1

Step: 2

Step: 3

Practical Assignment

Have students experiment with a new study method and reflect on the results.

Students choose a piece of study material.

They select a new study method (e.g., flashcards, quizzes, quizzing each other, or the teach-back method).

They apply this active method and compare it with their usual study routine.

Make Learning Fun and Effective

🤸

Use Active Study Methods (Flashcards, Quizzes, Summarising)

⌛

Blend Learning time with Short Breaks

🏫

Study in Different Environments (Outside, Library)

🍂

Change the Way You Learn: Variety Keeps Your Brain Active!

🎁

Reward Yourself Smartly: Set Small Goals and Treat Yourself When You Achieve Them!

Conclusion

Have students choose one new study method that they will try.

#check

Active revision = 

Actual retention.

Click here for more lessons from…