27 Jan 2025
As an invigilator, your role is to ensure that exams run smoothly and that students have the best environment in which to perform. JCQ use the terms ‘even playing field’ and ‘maladministration’ and whilst these are standards that we are re well familiar with, I would like to suggest adopting a mindful approach to your role.
It may shift the empathy and care you take in your responsibilities. Incorporating some elements of Mindfulness can help you stay calm and considerate as you maintain the status quo of the exam room.
There are a number of key elements to mindfulness. Let’s look at them in relation to the role of invigilator.
Being Present: Focused on the Moment and Responsibilities
Mindfulness begins with being present and that means being fully in the moment and attentive to your role. It means ‘being in the room’, not distracted and focussed on your task and responsibilities.
Stay Focused on the Room: We know from JCQ that we should not be engaged in any other activities whilst exams are taking place, so that our attention is solely on the students who rely on your undivided attention to feel secure and supported.
From a Mindful stance, that means bringing your full awareness to the task. We know the rules behind our work, but don’t forget to apply them with an empathetic slant.
Stay vigilant and on task.
Keep alert for shifts in the norm and ‘read the room’. Get good at sensing what’s happening – what should be and should not be going on in your secure space.
Allow empathy to guide you. Consider the student experience. They may feel nervous or overwhelmed, and your calm, approachable demeanour can help create a reassuring atmosphere.
Noticing and Observing: Reading the Room with Awareness
An essential part of mindfulness is observing without judgment, which is key to monitoring an exam environment effectively.
Watch for Behavioural Shifts
Pay attention to changes in students’ body language or behaviour. Are students showing signs of anxiety or frustration? If they are, do you know how to correctly and safety support them?
Monitor Engagement
Notice how students interact with their exams. Are they focused, or do they seem stuck or distracted?
Observe Energy Levels
Tune into the overall mood of the room. If the energy feels tense or restless, how could you ease the feeling? Is there a subtle way you could support an unsettled student by perhaps walking by their desk calmly or making eye contact, to remind them they’re not alone? A small thing may help them get back on track and help them re-focus.
Practice Empathy
Mindfulness fosters empathy, helping you understand and respond to the emotions of those around you.
Set Clear Expectations from the beginning
Calmly explain the rules and expectations at the start of the exam, to help students know you’re on their side. Maintain your calm presence through the exam session especially if anyone needs some extra encouragement or assistance.
Put Yourself in Their Shoes
Keep in mind how stressful exams can be for students. Be kind rather than irritated, if a student appears panicked or asks for help. It could make all the difference
Mindful Approaches to Challenges
Keep calm and non -judgemental whatever occurs.
Respond, Don’t React
Students need you to be consistent with your own emotions. Weigh up every incident and respond thoughtfully to whatever occurs. Stay within the guidelines whilst administering solutions.
Stay Grounded
Take a deep breath before responding and always keep within the JCQ recommendations. When you maintain a sense of calm throughout the invigilation process, you set the right tone for the exam.
Create a Calm Environment
Your Energy Sets the Tone
Be aware of how your quiet presence provides stability. Move quietly within the room and be aware of how this can affect different individuals.
Think of Mindfulness as an added way to be an effective invigilator.
By staying present, observing carefully, showing empathy, and responding thoughtfully, you help create an environment where students feel supported and are able to show their best selves.
Mindfulness can positively influence both yours and your students’ exam experience.