The end of the year is one of the most stressful times for students. They are wrapping up major projects and tests; preparing for midterms and performance assessments; and anxiously anticipating the long winter break. To help prepare, follow these tips to get through these demanding weeks:
- Get organized!
The best way to prioritize time is to use a planner or calendar and write down all due dates and activities. Students can visually see their to-do list and then can schedule time to complete their assignments and study for exams. Plan your time and stick to your schedule.
- Start now!
One of the many reasons students struggle during performance assessments is because they procrastinate until the last minute and do not give the proper amount of time to study or complete the assignment to the best of their ability. Ideally, students should start roughly a week or more out from their test or performance assessment to be most prepared.
- Prioritize!
To aim for success, each student should prioritize which classes will take the most time and plan accordingly. Additionally, students should try to identify their “problem areas” – the areas in school where they know they struggle and the topics that will need the most time.
- Stay motivated!
One of the hardest challenges for students is staying motivated when break feels so close. To combat this, one of the most effective ways is using periodic rewards. For example, after working hard for an hour, take a 10-minute break. Stretch, get a snack, and then re-focus.
- Get rest!
During this stressful season, sleep needs to be prioritized to stay focused and work hard. Without it, students will be more stressed and lack energy to get their assignments done.
If students do all these things and work hard in and out of class, they should be set up for success this performance assessment season!
By: Bridget Zimmerman
