Let’s be honest, the perks of online learning with Florida Virtual School (FLVS) are pretty great, from choosing courses you actually want to take to the extra time you get in your day to focus on hobbies. Even so, we need to address the elephant in the room. . . discussion-based assessments (DBAs).  

We know DBAs can be a little nerve-wracking for FLVS students—but no need to worry. Our alumni have your back. Here are five tips to help you ace your next DBA from FLVS Class of 2023 alumni: 

Five Tips to Ace Your Next DBA 

1. Tackle the Pre-DBA Jitters
2. Be Prepared
3. Be Confident
4. Be Honest
5. Don’t Get Discouraged

1. Tackle the Pre-DBA Jitters  

Whether you’re a new or returning student, you might get the ‘pre-DBA jitters’ as Angelica J., FLVS 2022-23 Senior Class President called them—and it’s totally normal! Still, you don’t want nervous or anxious feelings to get in the way. To help, Angelica says, “Take some deep breaths and drink water,” whenever you start feeling nervous or anxious. 

If you’re feeling the ‘pre-DBA jitters’ in the days leading up to your DBA, Merissa R., FLVS Class of 2022-23 Community Service Coordinator, says it’s best to keep your study sessions under 45-minutes so you don’t get overwhelmed. 

PRO TIP: Set a timer to study for 45-minutes. After the timer goes off, take a 15-minute break to maintain productivity, motivation, and focus during long study sessions!  

2. Be Prepared 

“Be Prepared!” says Lacie B., FLVS Class of 2022-23 Public Relations Officer. Build a habit of, “filling out your guides or notes and review them throughout the module,” to avoid last-minute cramming. Angelica agrees: “Study module material consistently, even 15-minutes per day for a week,” will help!  

3. Be Confident 

This is the time to channel your inner cheerleader. “The more confidence you have, the easier the DBA will be,” says Merissa, “tell yourself in the mirror that you’ve got this!”  

To build up your confidence, Merissa also recommends to talk it out: 

“When dealing with anxiety, it can be hard to just do the talking part of a DBA. If that ever becomes a problem, I suggest grabbing your notes or study guides and reading them out loud to yourself or a family member. Get familiar with the words and topics, so it becomes something natural that you are verbally discussing.”

4. Be Honest 

Your teachers really want to help you succeed, which can only happen if you’re honest about concepts and lessons that you’re struggling with. Lacie says the best policy is to, “Be honest with your teacher, and ask If you don’t understand something.” 

PRO TIP: Reach out to your teacher as soon as you need help, so they can help you fully understand the lesson before your DBA. 

5. Don’t Get Discouraged 

DBAs are a way for you to show your teacher what you’ve learned, but that doesn’t mean you’ll fail if you get a question wrong. “If you are unsure [about a question], ask your teacher for help,” says Angelica. You shouldn’t feel disappointed if you don’t know the answer or answer incorrectly because your teacher will help make sure you understand major themes and concepts within the lesson before moving on. 

We hope these tips help you tackle the ‘pre-DBA jitters’ and feel prepared and confident. For more tips, check out our Guide to FLVS DBAs. If you’re a current FLVS student, sound off your DBA tips in the comments below!