Simple Tips for Students and Teachers to Stay Calm and Prepared
Introduction
Can you believe it’s already been two months since school started in mid-July 2025? For the new kids, these weeks have been all about figuring out the school, making new friends, and learning how things work. For the older students, though… it’s that time again. The time everyone’s been waiting for—or dreading: Mid-Semester Exams (PTS)
The pressure is real. Students worry about tricky questions, grades, and keeping up with expectations. Teachers? They have extra stress too—making tests, grading piles of papers, and reporting results. It’s no wonder the word “exam” can make anyone tense.
But here’s the good news: exams don’t have to be scary. They’re not monsters hiding under the bed. They’re more like mirrors—they show what you know, what you’ve learned, and where you can grow. And with the right tricks, both teachers and students can face PTS calmly, confidently, and yes… even without stress.
1. Organize Your Brain (Cognitive Strategies)
Think of your brain like a messy desk. If everything is scattered, you’ll spend more time hunting for notes than actually studying. Organizing information helps you see the big picture and remember it better.
Try this:
- Mind maps or summaries: Make a visual map for each chapter. For example, in Science class, draw out the Digestive System: organs, functions, and how everything works together.
- Practice tests: Go through past exercises or old exams. It’s a great way to figure out what’s easy for you and what still needs work.
- Mix it up: Don’t stick to one subject for hours. Switch every 30 minutes—Math, then Bahasa Indonesia, then Science. Your brain remembers better that way.
Teach someone else: Explain what you’ve learned to a friend. Teaching forces you to really understand the topic.
2. Take Charge of Your Learning (Self-Regulated Learning)
The best students don’t wait for someone to tell them what to do—they plan, track, and adjust their own learning. You can start small and build from there.
Try this:
- Set goals: Make a list of topics you need to master.
- Make a schedule: Pick specific times for each subject and don’t forget to take breaks.
- Create a distraction-free space: Turn off your phone, clear your desk, and have all your study materials ready.
3. Build Good Habits (Behavioristic Strategies)
Sometimes, success is just about repetition and rewarding yourself. Little habits add up to big results.
Try this:
- Repeat and review: Use flashcards for tricky terms and go over them often.
- Treat yourself: Hit a study goal? Take a 15-minute break, grab a snack, or step outside for a quick walk.
- Don’t cram: Study in short, regular sessions over a few days instead of staying up all night.
4. Plan Like a Pro
Planning isn’t boring—it’s the secret weapon against stress. Even simple organization can make studying much easier.
Try this:
- Schedule your sessions: Mark study times on your calendar so you’re not cramming at the last minute.
- Break down big chapters: Instead of staring at a huge block of content, divide it into smaller, manageable chunks.
- Know what to expect: Find out if the test has essays, multiple-choice questions, or case studies.
- Take smart breaks: Study for 50 minutes, then relax for 10. Repeat. (Pomodoro method!)
5. Take Care of Yourself
No matter how much you study, your brain and body need to be ready. Feeling good physically and mentally makes a huge difference.
Try this:
- Sleep and eat well: 7–8 hours of sleep and nutritious meals = sharper mind.
- Relax: 5-minute meditation, deep breathing, or chill music before studying or exams.
- Think positive: Focus on what you’ve accomplished so far and the effort you’ve put in, not on what could go wrong.
Conclusion
Mid-Semester Exams don’t have to be a nightmare. With simple strategies, a little planning, and care for your mind and body, both students and teachers can face PTS without stress. Teachers can guide, and students can take charge of their learning.
Study smart, plan well, stay healthy, and the PTS will feel less like a monster and more like a chance to shine.