Exam time special report: Group study is crucial

Group study is the key to success when it comes to preparing for exams at Comet Bay College.

The school took a new approach to studying this year with an after hours program, allowing students to hit the books in the library from 6pm to 9pm on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Dean of Academic Extension Jenny Burton said she initiated the study group to give students the chance to seek extra help and to work with their peers in a quiet, distraction-free environment.

‘‘It worked really well and we had up to 35 students a session—it became the norm for most students,’’ she said.

‘‘We just wanted them to produce the best they could.’’

Year 12 student Jessica Villaflor, 17, said group study was her first choice for exam preparation.

‘‘It works because you are around people who feel the same way you do,’’ she said.

‘‘You can test each other and there is always someone to ask questions so you are not left wondering—it is a really positive way of studying.’’ Jessica said the hardest part about exam time was staying motivated.

‘‘You have to make sure you go out and do something else at least once a week or you will crash out, over think and it could cause you to want to give up,’’ she said.

‘‘You do need to review your class notes on a daily basis but you should still take small breaks, even if it is just a walk or listening to music.’’

Jessica, who was selected for a $10,000 scholarship at Murdoch University in applied events management, advised students to stop stressing about final scores and to instead aim for their personal best when they sat downfor their next exam.