With the transition to online learning in Term 1, 2 and 3 2020 as a result of COVID-19, there may have been changes to your end of term assessments. We understand that these changes can be unsettling.
If your teaching team has tasked you with an online quiz, you may be feeling anxious. Being prepared and having a plan for how you will cope with your assessments will help manage those feelings. It will also give you a better chance of success with your studies.
Keep reading for advice from our Student Counselling team…
1. Be Prepared
- Know the how, what and when of the quiz:
- When does your quiz open?
- How much time is provided?
- When do you have to submit your quiz?
- What format is your quiz?
- Plan revision time:
- Break down content into topics and tick them off as you go.
- Have study breaks.
- Try studying for 50 minutes and have a 10 minute break.
- Use a range of tools such as:
- Diagrams.
- Mind maps.
- Colour.
- Classical music.
- Reading notes out loud.
- Mnemonics.
- Tasty snacks.
- On the day of the quiz, organise the logistics.
- Set up a quiet study area.
- Check your equipment, internet, and other resources you need.
- Inform those you live with you are completing a quiz.
- Organise childcare if needed.
2. Before the quiz
- Eat well, rest well. Try not to study late the night before.
- Hydrate – drink water during the quiz.
- Talk to yourself in a positive way, as if you were encouraging a friend.
- Do some exercise/dance before the quiz.
- Stand like a superhero for a couple of minutes.
3. During the quiz
- Think of questions as your friends. They should not to be feared.
- What if you have difficulty recalling the information?
- Take a few minutes to breathe slowly and deeply.
- Stretch arms and legs and then relax them.
- Close your eyes, visualise yourself somewhere comfortable.
- Write down anything you remember about the unit.
- Move to any question that you can answer.
- Fearful and negative thinking causes our brain to think we are in danger.
- Physical symptoms include:
- Heart pumping fast.
- Shallow breathing.
- Hot and flushed.
- Sick in the stomach.
- Cannot think clearly.
- Tight muscles.
- Solutions:
- Tell yourself, “I am safe”
- Scrunch and stretch.
- Sit on an exercise ball.
- Use a stress toy.
- Chew gum/snacks.
- Physical symptoms include:
- What if you have technical difficulties such as a power outage?
- Take a deep breath.
- If you have any technical issues call TASAC on 1300 666 620.
- Take screenshots of error messages or photos with your phone.
- Make a record of what happened.
- Contact your Unit Coordinator as soon as possible and on the same day as your quiz with details of the technical issue. Include screenshots/photos of error messages in the email.
- Ask for Help. Call Student Advice Team on 13 27 86.
4. After the quiz
- Relax, try not to ruminate over what you may have missed.
- Celebrate.
- Enjoy your break.
If you are unable to undertake your quiz at the set time and date you will need to apply for an assessment extension in Moodle. You can do this in the support area on the top of the page and supply supporting documentation as per normal extension requests.
If you have concerns about preparing for your assessments - Ask for Help. Visit the Support view on MyCQU to view the learning support and student services available.
The Counselling team are currently providing telehealth services, including appointments via phone, Zoom, and email. To self-refer and make an appointment, contact the Counselling team:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +61 7 4930 9456
