Michelle Flynn emphasizes the importance of household support for students during exam season
Summary
In this interview, education expert Michelle Flynn emphasizes the importance of household support for students during exam season. Parents should create a calm atmosphere and siblings can help by taking the student out for exercise. Flynn encourages students to develop good study habits and create a solid routine that includes breaks. Students should conduct a subject audit to identify their weakest areas and focus on technique and timing.
Michelle advises students to avoid spending excessive time on subjects they like and instead focus on their weakest areas. They should also be aware of the weighting of marks for each question on the exam and set clear goals. Students who receive disappointing marks should refocus on their goals and develop a new plan. Flynn advises them to practise their weakest areas and to use marking schemes to guide their responses.
Students should take breaks for exercise, relaxation, and sleep, and avoid staying up all night studying. The transcript also discusses the importance of maintaining a balanced diet during exam season. Parents should provide healthy food options and encourage their children to eat well. CareerHub ie is a useful resource for parents who may not be in school and may not know important dates, such as the Statement of Application email for the Leaving Cert.
The conversation between PJ Coogan and Michelle Flynn also discusses the Change of Mind facility, which allows students to change their course choices between Friday and July 1st. Flynn advises students to stay in school and incorporate blocks of study time, around an hour and a half each, with breaks in between. Having a plan for each block of study time is important, rather than aimlessly flipping through books for hours on end.
Overall, the transcript provides useful tips for parents and students on how to manage the stress of exam season and prepare for exams in a healthy and productive way. Household support is important, and students should focus on their weakest areas, take breaks, and maintain a balanced diet. Utilizing resources like CareerHub ie and having a structured study plan can also help maximize productivity.
Further Detail and Analysis
Preparing for exams can be a daunting task, not only for students but also for their families. The Leaving Cert is a particularly stressful time, and it’s natural to feel anxious. However, with the right preparation and mindset, it’s possible to approach the exams with confidence.
One of the first steps in preparing for exams is to develop a solid routine. This involves conducting a subject audit to identify the areas where the student needs to focus the most. It’s easy to fall into the trap of only studying the subjects that the student enjoys or excels at, but it’s important to remember that all subjects are equally important. Weak areas should be identified and worked on, with exam papers and marking schemes being invaluable tools in this process.
Maintaining a healthy diet is also essential during exam season. While it’s tempting to indulge in junk food, it’s important to remember the benefits of eating a balanced diet. Parents can help by providing plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water, while also allowing for some treats.
It’s also important to pick your battles when it comes to studying. Teenagers may resist studying or prefer different study techniques, but it’s important to find a system that works for them. Parents can offer guidance and support without creating unnecessary stress. It’s also essential to maintain a routine, even during exam season. This includes attending school and taking advantage of teachers’ guidance and sample answers. By incorporating productive blocks of study time and breaks, students can stay focused and motivated.
For students who didn’t do as well in the pre-exams as they had hoped, it’s essential to renew their motivation and remember their goals. This can be achieved by creating a new study plan and focusing on the areas where they need to improve. Parents and siblings can offer support by creating a calm atmosphere at home, listening to the student and encouraging them, and providing practical help where possible.
As the exams draw nearer, it’s important to resist the temptation to predict what questions will come up, and instead focus on understanding the marking schemes and what the examiners are looking for. For students applying to college, it’s important to review and confirm all personal details and documentation before the Statement of Application deadline. This ensures that all information is correct and can prevent losing a college place. Additionally, the Change of Mind facility provides a chance to adjust course choices before the July 1 deadline.
Ultimately, exam preparation is about finding a system that works for the individual student. With the right mindset and support, it’s possible to approach exams with confidence and achieve success. It’s important to remember that the Leaving Cert is just a stepping stone in the student’s journey and that there are many paths to success. Resources like CareerHub ie can provide helpful guidance and templates for study techniques and career choices. So, while exam season may be stressful, it’s important to remain positive and focused, and to remember that with hard work and determination, students can achieve their goals and embark on a fulfilling career path.