Ashok Sharma
The examination season is back again.Exams conducted by various universities, School Boards and the school authorities themselves have either commenced or about to commence.It is during these days that students find themselves in the grip of examination fever.They spend sleepless nights to prepare for the exams.Their stress level escalates like never before and their problems are compounded by their parents who put a lot of pressure on their young and tender minds to get more and more marks.It is time that parents should desist from pressuring their children to secure more and more marks in the exams.On the other hand, they should encourage them to prepare for the exams in a cool and relaxed manner and perform to the best of their ability.The best way to prepare for an exam is to study in a scientific and relaxed manner from the beginning to the end of the academic session.The students should be motivated to manage their time in such a manner that a proper balance between work, play and rest is maintained.Last minute studies, all night learning and cramming should be avoided.Children must take proper care of their diets and avoid oily foods, coffee and tea.They need to take light food alongwith a lot of fruits and vegetables.They also ought to practise yoga and meditation and go for small walks or play simple games to refresh their minds. Taking deep breaths during the break periods also helps a lot in reducing the stress.The students must take sleep for seven to eight hours to keep their brain active and thus help it to grasp the topics more efficiently.It must be remembered that reading for long hours does no good and in fact it leads to lack of concentration and consequently lack of learning. Students should also study in groups to clear their concepts and create positive energy.They should take breaks in between to refresh their brain and should not think of the chapters which remain to be learnt.
It is during the examinations that parents need to realise their important role for their child.Parents ought to act as a guide and help their child to build confidence and beat the exam bluesFirst, they need to note the date and time of each paper and pin a copy of the date sheet at a prominent place in the house.Then they ought to make a checklist of the the things such as pens, pencils, erasers,cardboard etc required by the child for the day’s paper .After each day’s examination,the child must be allowed to recount his performance in the day’s paper.Much importance should not be given to errors and ommissions. They must guide the child for the next paper. The parents should make every effort to provide quiet, clean and conducive environment to the children to prepare for the exams.They ought to interact with the teachers to find out the weaknesses and strengths of their wards and strive hard to further strengthen their strengths and eradicate their weaknesses.
Parents should also guide the child to frame a revision schedule of differnt subjects and help the child in such testing times.They ought not to set unrealistic and unachievable targets for the child as it can have a negative impact on the child.They need to spare a lot of time to make themselves available to the child during these stressful days.They should not just lock the child in his/her room but allow them to mix with their friends during breaks.Such an exercise will help them to lift their spirits for the coming exams.They must provide a good support system to their child in terms of food, motivation, encouragement, love and affection.They must keep a close watch over the physical, emotional and psychological health of the child and consult a psychotherapist or counsellor should they find the child going through psychological disturbances.They can also seek the help of their close friends or relatives to provide assistance and guidance to the child during the days of examinations.They should not attach much importance to the exams and should not make the child believe that hell will fall loose if the child fails to get good marks in the exams. On the contrary, they should encourage the child to perform to the optimum level and should also coninue to shower their unconditional love and affection on the child as before even if the child fails to succeed in the exam.The child needs to be reassured that all is not lost and he can succeed by putting more sincere efforts in the next chance and that the child’s health matters more to them than their results.Parents should make use of this opportunity to be the guides and friends of their children to enable them to show their best performance in the examination.
( The writer is serving as lecturer in English, Govt.Hr.Sec.School, Barolla ( Udhampur ).
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