Acing exam season with social media

It's that time of year again and in the lead-up to the final weeks of exam season, students have been tackling their revision in a rather unconventional way

Thousands of students will sit their A-Level and GCSE exams in the next few weeks before school’s out for summer, but with so much information to take in, this can be a particularly stressful time. MyTutor, a leading online tutoring platform, is determined to make it a little easier for students by creating a free resource designed to make revision more memorable and engaging, using TikTok.

Their study reveals that 59% of students in the UK use social media to aid their studies, with 27% using it as a “go-to” learning source. 30% of pupils use online platforms like YouTube to consolidate their learning, suggesting that traditional study techniques may no longer be the best way to retain information.

The pandemic has brought about this shift in learning behaviour as classroom-based studies have moved online. As such, social media has now become an invaluable tool for students across the country, with a focus on more self-directed learning. Platforms such as TikTok give communities of pupils access to channel their learning and process information in an easily digestible way using hashtags like #StudyTok.

This prompted MyTutor to create the “TikTok Textbook”, aimed at bringing learning materials online. It includes bite-sized videos that break down some of the hardest GCSE and A-Level questions from exam boards OCR and AQA. Since its launch, it has already generated 1.8 million views on its expert revision tips and emotional well-being advice.

"As university students, our tutors have recent experience of sitting their exams and through the TikTok Textbook they will also be offering expert revision tips, as well as advice for students to prioritise their emotional well-being during these high-pressure times." Bertie Hubbard, CEO of MyTutor.

So, if your children are struggling to understand radioactive half-lives or they want to perfect their French grammar, taking to social media could be the way forward.

Stress is a natural emotion, but if you are concerned about a child or teen’s stress levels or mental health, there are techniques you can implement to help children deal with exam nerves.

How can I help my child during exam season?

Keep things in perspective

It’s important that children have a parent or guardian they can speak to openly and honestly. Let them know that you are there to help and talk if they need anything.

Maintain good habits

Encourage your children to eat a balanced diet, exercise, get a good sleep and have downtime to keep their bodies and minds healthy while studying.

Try to avoid additional pressure

Checking in on your children may seem like a good idea, but it can make children feel more pressured or less confident. Instead, try to take a step back and offer support whilst avoiding criticism.

For more tips on how to support your children during exams, read our article 5 ways to help kids with stress.

Sometimes, it may be beneficial to try alternative methods to control exam stress. Hypnotherapy is a method commonly used to control exam nerves by accessing the calm state of mind needed to sit an exam or face an overwhelming situation.

For more information on hypnotherapy for exam stress, visit Hypnotherapy Directory.