How can teachers support students through exams?

As the 2025 student cohort heads into first semester exams, educators are once again tasked with supporting students through what is traditionally one of the most stressful times of year. For many students—particularly those who began their university journey online or in hybrid formats—this may be the first time they are sitting formal, invigilated exams. Others may be navigating a mix of online and in-person assessments for the first time.

The challenge of managing multiple exam formats, blended learning expectations, and the ongoing aftershocks of a disrupted education system continues to put pressure on both students and teachers.

Exams remain a critical juncture in the student journey—often influencing decisions to continue or withdraw from study.

In Australia and across the globe, student retention remains a growing concern. While universities have largely returned to on-campus operations, the long-term impacts of the pandemic and the rising cost of living are still being felt. In the UK, for example, student withdrawals rose sharply in 2024, with over 20,000 students leaving their courses before the end of the academic year—signalling the ongoing strain on learners.

So how can educators better support students during this pivotal time in a post-COVID, tech-integrated learning environment?

Help students take charge

The first point of call for teachers is to help students manage their own stress during a busy time. Often the first step is to help students recognise the stress and begin to develop processes to manage it themselves — an important lesson they can carry forward.

Most universities will have resources you can direct students towards, looking at different methods for managing stress. For example:

• Putting the stress into perspective

• Continuing to maintain their wellbeing through mindfulness, exercise and connection with their support network

• Maintaining sleep

• Limiting reliance on substances like caffeine or energy drinks to study longer

• Accessing university counselling or support services for additional assistance

Here's an example from The University of Melbourne, which has a great online portal for student wellbeing during exam time.

Platform preparation is key

Regardless of how students are completing exams, it helps to be familiar with the environment. For many students, picking up a pen for an invigilated exam might feel foreign unless they have practised. Likewise, the best way to approach exams will vary between disciplines and types of tests, which is another way teachers can begin to prepare their students for success. 

Just as important, is familiarising students with any technology they will use to conduct exams and assessments. If you are using Cadmus you can begin to prepare your students by setting up a practice exam in the platform, or providing an open assessment space for students to explore the functionality and understand key workflows.

Prevention is better than punishment 

Where there are exams, there will always be measures in place to protect academic integrity — and it is certain that prevention is far better than punishment. 

Professor Angela Hill, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Edith Cowan University, explained that many students found to have breached academic integrity admitted they started their assessments too late and panicked.

This rings true for exam periods too. The greater the pressure the student is under the more likely they will be to look for assistance.