It can be hard not to project your higher school certificate exam stress onto your children. Sometimes even the most well-meaning parents who only want to help their kids in any way they can get it wrong.
Sure the hugs and the endless cups of tea help, but if parents really need to help then they need to find some highly effective study tips to recommend to their children. That way every minute spent studying and practicing and preparing is of value, leaving them time for sleep, relaxation and activities that help them unwind, all of which aids them to deal with exam stress.
If there is one tip you can share with your children in the lead up to higher school certificate exams it is to study using a pen and paper.
According to a survey of past students, studying using paper-based notes and a pen is the most effective study method when it comes to exam prep. Top-performing students swear by the paper and pen method, even printing material to help them learn.
The findings, by Canon Australia and published in their Paper Is Mightier Than The Screen study guide, technology diverts, distracts and frustrates during study time. More importantly, by viewing material online students often fail to properly engage with the information.
Rowan Kunz, a former High School Certificate (HSC) student in 2004 who scored a near-perfect UAI of 99.6, has since spent eight years researching how Australia’s top students achieve high scores. All of his findings can be found in the book Secrets of HSC Success Revealed.