6 Strategies to Alleviate Student Stress During Exams

The period of exams is upon us, and consequently, many students are experiencing varying levels of stress or even test anxiety.

According to a survey conducted in 2015, out of 2,000 college students in the United States, 64% expressed concerns about how exam-related stress was affecting their academic performance. More recently, a study conducted in 2020 during the pandemic found that 31% of college students in the US identified exams and finals as the primary sources of stress in their lives.

While educational institutions cannot individually guide every student through their exams, there are alternative approaches that can be employed to support them. Here are six effective methods to help students prepare for exams and manage stress during the weeks leading up to them:

Provide clear exam information

Ensure that students have easy access to their exam schedule, including specific details such as the date, time, duration, and location of each exam. By making this information available on mobile devices, students can make informed decisions about dividing their study time, planning their commute, or arranging work shifts during the exam period. Additionally, to mitigate last-minute stress, promptly communicate any changes in the classroom or exam locations through push notifications.

Integrate with the institution's Learning Management System (LMS)

By integrating with the university's LMS, students can conveniently access essential course information on their mobile devices at any time. Leveraging the LMS's discussion forums, students can participate in knowledge-sharing, ask questions, and receive answers from peers and instructors. This collaborative environment helps foster a sense of community and support, particularly when preparing for exams. Furthermore, integrating the student engagement platform with the LMS enables students to access their grades as soon as they are published, thereby reducing the anxiety associated with waiting for results.

Simplify study space bookings

Recognize that not all students have access to ideal study conditions at home, especially considering the challenges posed by the pandemic. To facilitate studying on the go, offer students the ability to book campus study spaces directly from their smartphones. In a recent qualitative interview with students, it was revealed that booking study spaces through a mobile app was significantly more convenient than logging onto a computer.

Seamlessly integrate with reading lists

When students are immersed in exam preparation, it is crucial to minimize any unnecessary hurdles, such as locating assigned reading materials. By integrating with the assigned reading list management system, the campus app can provide quick access to the necessary resources, streamlining the study process. This feature was particularly appreciated by students, as it eliminated the need to search for reading materials, as mentioned by one student during the interview.

Provide structured exam to-do lists

Students facing multiple exams and final assignments can benefit from having a well-structured study plan. Supplying students with a checklist for each exam enables them to break down their study time into manageable tasks and review the required material effectively.

Offer resources for student well-being

Recognize that some students may require additional support in managing exam-related stress. Providing resources such as guided meditation videos, tips for maintaining calmness, or contact information for a well-being hotline can empower students to seek the assistance they need to stay on track and maintain their mental well-being during the exam period.

By implementing these strategies, educational institutions can create a supportive environment that helps students navigate the challenges of exams while reducing stress levels and promoting academic success.

James, 40, an info management pro for a decade, loves turning data into insights. Passionate about connecting institutions, especially in academia, to improve global knowledge sharing. Committed to democratizing academic info