Preparing for civil service exams is a complex challenge that requires organisation, effort and time. The initial training we receive is essential when it comes to studying for these exams, as it determines whether we have the right resources to tackle the study workload and successfully achieve our goal.
On the UAX Online Master’s in Teaching , we ensure you receive high-quality didactic and pedagogical training so that you can tackle your professional challenges and be fully prepared for whatever path you choose to follow. Below, we explain how to prepare for civil service exams, particularly for secondary school teaching posts:
Our lecturer and director of the Master’s programme, Elena Zubiaurre, offers 10 tips that can help you prepare for the competitive exams.
How to study for teacher recruitment exams: tips and things to bear in mind
- Organise your time. The syllabus for the competitive exams is extensive. To study effectively, you’ll need to plan carefully based on your availability. You can draw up a timetable to make this easier.
- Study bit by bit, setting yourself achievable goals. How can you organise yourself to study for the competitive exams ? Think of short, achievable learning objectives, focus on them and aim to tick them off every day.
- Don’t overlook any section. Civil service exams include theoretical, practical and teaching-related tests. Remember that the pedagogical and teaching knowledge component – which the Master’s in Teacher Training prepares you for – is essential, and you must devote time to preparing for it.
- Use study techniques. Underline, take notes, draw up diagrams… Revision is key to reinforcing what you’ve learnt and knowing how to concentrate when studying for competitive exams. Many of the study techniques we teach our students will now be useful to you. Make the most of them!
- Practise. You can sit mock exams or practise your oral presentations by recording yourself… Put yourself to the test before the exams arrive. Practice is one of the keys, especially if you want to know how to study for multiple-choice competitive exams.
- Take a break. You can’t keep up the same pace all the time, and you need to stay motivated right to the end. Taking time out for leisure and rest will help you return to your studies feeling more enthusiastic and will boost your motivation.
- Link what you’ve learnt to your classroom experiences. Make the most of everything you learn during your teaching placements on the Master’s in Teacher Training and connect what you’re studying with your classroom experiences. This will make preparing for the competitive exams much easier.
- Be creative and innovative. Don’t simply repeat what others have already done. Approach the writing of topics and the development of lesson plans from an innovative perspective. On the UAX Master’s programme, you can learn a range of educational innovation methodologies that will provide you with ideas and proposals you can then put into practice.
- Incorporate ICT. You can use it both to organise your study and to incorporate innovative elements into your lesson plans.
- Have confidence in yourself and your learning. With a solid foundation, you’ll achieve your goal. Believe in your efforts and daily work, and don’t give up.
