Learning from mistakes

Secondary students in Australia are now preparing for the start of second semester. Most students will have completed trial examinations at the end of term two and will now have the opportunity to review their examination performance. Reviewing examination performance can be an excellent learning tool. Your performance in an examination can tell you a lot and help to focus your learning as you work towards final examinations at the end of the year. Look carefully at the mistakes that you have made and ask some questions. Did I read the question correctly and understand what was being asked? Did I have the knowledge that the question asked for? Your answers to these questions highlight areas that you may need to work harder on. If you have trouble interpreting questions then you should make question reviews a part of your study routine. If there are gaps in your knowledge then you know that there are specific study areas that need more of your time.  Examination scores can also be affected where questions are left unanswered either because of time constraints or because the answers were unknown.  These  situations indicate that a student may have problems with examination technique. You can improve your technique in lots of ways. Working under time constraint even when you are completing homework exercises helps you to manage time more efficiently. Leaving questions unanswered is never a good idea so practice the ‘educated guess’ technique where you at least provide an opportunity for some marks as opposed to none. Learn from mistakes. Use your examination performances from the middle of the year to review learning and technique. This approach builds your confidence and helps you to be better prepared for finals at the end of the year.