The Learning Journey Part 3

Walking up and down through the mountains

Tests and Examinations

Some people fear exams and other don’t. Think of it like this, all the exam is doing is asking you how much you remembered about what you’ve learned. Some things are easier to remember than others. Even if you wanted to learn a certain subject and enjoyed the journey, the exam might make you nervous.

It’s okay, it’s natural to feel like this.

You can only do what you can do.

Think about that, you can only do what you can do.

Also consider this, “Let’s use the exam to see what I have learned!”.

Remember, this is your journey to learn what you want to learn. If you don’t remember everything, you will also learn from that!

Reflecting after an exam provides valuable insights, like “How can I prepare better for this?

Let’s look at some emotions involved in the exam process.

Anticipation (Before):

Emotion: Excitement, nervousness, and a touch of fear.

Benefit: Embrace the fear, you’re not alone.

By talking to others, you will find mutual feeling, which will make you realise you’re not alone. This sets the tone for a positive learning experience.

Anxiety (Before):

Emotion: Anxiety, stress, and doubt.

Benefit: Pre-exam anxiety is normal.

Practice mindfulness exercises, time management techniques, and positive self-talk.

Support decreases anxiety, which leads to better focus during the course or exam.

Owner and dog getting caught in the wind and rain

Focus (During):

Emotion: Tenacity, attention, and drive.

Benefit: Use your focus to create well-structured content. Break down complex topics into easy chunks. Experience interactive elements, quizzes, and real-world examples. Feel immersed, and you will absorb information more effectively.

Relief (After):

Emotion: Relief, satisfaction, and even joy.

Benefit: Celebrate small victories! When you complete a module or passing an exam, embrace your achievements. Send best wishes to anyone you know who’s learning with you. Reinforce your sense of triumph, which will boost your motivation for future learning.

Reflecting with dog, looking down over city with sunset

Reflection (After):

Emotion: Contemplation, evaluation, and self-awareness.

Benefit: Take time to reflect on your journey. What did you learn? How did you grow?

Think about what was good and was needs work, and write it down. This allows you to focus on turning your weaknesses into strengths.

Use your post-course reflection to solidify your knowledge, and set goals for continuous improvement.

Curiosity (Throughout):

Emotion: Interest, wonder, and inquiry.

Benefit: Be curious throughout your learning process. Ask questions and share unusual examples. Try to see beyond the course material. Curious learners become lifelong learners, seeking insights beyond exams.

Remember, emotions are powerful drivers. By embracing these feelings, your learning experience will have greater meaning!