The upcoming exam period can be a stressful time for both you and your teen. Understanding what to expect from teachers during exams – and potentially tutors – can help ease some of the anxiety.
Here, we share the things you can expect from both sides, what to look out for and how they can help to support your teen.
What to expect from teachers during exams
School teachers are probably some of the hardest-working people in the country. They’re there to support your teen and help them achieve their fullest potential. They can also answer any questions or concerns you might have as a parent along the way.
1. They’ll be focusing on subject reviews
Around this time, your teen’s teachers will likely spend more time reviewing material covered throughout the school year. This is to reinforce key concepts and help pupils recap and retain information better. Let your teen know that it’s ok to ask questions and seek extra help as they move through key topic areas – other pupils in their class will be feeling the same and will probably be grateful!
2. They might give more homework and tests
Teachers might set more homework and tests leading up to exams to make sure pupils are properly prepared. You can help your teen create a solid revision and study schedule to manage their workload and get as organised as they can. Highlight that getting ahead can help to stave off the stress later.
3. They might use different teaching methods
Teachers will probably mix up their teaching methods as exam period creeps closer. They might introduce quizzes, visual learning or group study sessions, to help pupils prep. Encourage your teen to take advantage of these opportunities – you could help them choose a couple of trusted study buddies that they can revise with at home too.
4. They can help with specific exam prep
Teachers are of course on hand to give guidance and tips for study techniques. You can ask teachers any specific questions or worries you have, and you can also request practice papers for your teen to get on with, especially during study breaks, like the Easter holidays.
5. They can provide feedback and support
Teachers will hopefully provide feedback to help students understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Encouraging your teen to ask for feedback as often as they can is a good idea. You might want to remind them that constructive criticism is a good thing and can help to improve their work and grades overall.
6. They can help if things get too much
If your teen is feeling overwhelmed or very stressed by the idea of exams, school teachers can be a pillar of support. Let them know if your child is struggling and they will likely have helpful resources and advice to share. There are also options for students feeling very anxious, like sitting their exams in a separate room.
What to expect from tutors during exams
During exam period, private tutors can offer valuable support if your teen needs extra help to achieve the grades they want. They can do more than just cover important material, they can also help to build self-esteem and ease revision and exam stress.
1. They can provide personalised help
Tutors can give 1-1 support to help your teen better understand challenging topics and get prepped for exam conditions. This individual way of working can be a helpful supplement to your teen’s usual studies. They can be reactive and go at your teen’s pace.
2. They can help to boost confidence (especially in weaker subjects)
Whether it’s chemistry equations or Shakespearean essays, tutors can focus on whichever topic areas or exam questions your teen is struggling with. This is perhaps the quickest way to help them feel more confident in the subjects they find hardest or aren’t getting enough support with at school.
3. They can help ease exam stress
At MyTutor, tutors are relatively close in age to your teen. So, they’ve sat exams fairly recently and know exactly what it feels like. This can be very powerful for your teen to realise. As well as coaching, a tutor can also help them feel less alone and calm pre-exam nerves.
4. They can give targeted feedback in every session
Tutors can give immediate feedback on practice exams and assignments. They can quickly help your teen identify areas where they need to improve and help to develop techniques to overcome their weaknesses. Creating a clear path forward could be just what your teen needs to feel on top of exam prep.
5. They can share specific exam techniques
We have over 10,000 free study notes on the MyTutor site covering everything from covalent bond explanations to brilliant essay introductions. During 1-1 sessions your teen can also learn specific exam strategies, time management techniques and how to overcome test anxiety, so they can perform their best on exam day.
6. They can support revision during the holidays or study leave
A tutor can pick up where your teen’s teachers leave off. To help them feel less supported during revision periods or study leave, a tutor can help with revision plans, test your teen’s knowledge and keep them on track when the motivation of school isn’t there. Tutors can be just as helpful during exams as before.
So, there you have it. Working together with teachers and a potential private tutor can make all the difference when it comes to supporting your teen. Knowing what to expect from teachers during exams and leaning into extra support from a tutor can help everyone feel less anxious – and help you feel more equipped to tackle anything that comes up along the way.
Find the right tutor to match your teen’s needs here.