Examination season is back. In the coming months, millions of students would have to write their school/college examinations. At this stage, there is some good news for students who find themselves lacking in preparations, – “Partially prepared can also win – rest assured that you still have your opportunity doors open!.
The run-up to examinations is an awfully terrible phase in the life of a student. I come across many students who sulk under the pressure of expectations. I think, everyone goes through the phase of examination borne stress. Well, it’s not really the lack of preparation or the scare of being unable to answer the questions which bothers much, it’s actually the fear of embarrassment in the event of hitting a failure which creates the discomfort.
The run-up to examinations is an awfully terrible phase in the life of a student. I come across many students who sulk under the pressure of expectations. I think, everyone goes through the phase of examination borne stress. Well, it’s not really the lack of preparation or the scare of being unable to answer the questions which bothers much, it’s actually the fear of embarrassment in the event of hitting a failure which creates the discomfort.
Out of my experience of working with children and helping them prepare for their examinations, I have learned a few tips which enable the student to bring out the best in the limited time available. Here I share those:
1. Art of elimination
If you have not been able to study the complete syllabus till now; don’t aspire to finish it all. At this stage, it might be sensible to master a few chapters and ignore the rest! According to your love of the subject, the confidence gained in the respective topics and taking a cue from the previous year’s question papers, identify the subjects which cater to the probability of attracting maximum numbers in the examination – focus on those & ignore the rest. Well, this calls for an intelligent elimination and you would do well to consult your teacher in giving you some hints in in the process!
2. Make a timetable
Since time is the scarcest resource, it should be the pivot of all your activities in the coming days and weeks. List down the topics of focus you have identified after the process of elimination. Take some expert help to align those subjects into the matrix of a timetable. Strictly adhere to your plan.
3. Easy First
Always make it a point to study the subjects which you find easier to learn, first. Alternately begin with the smaller chapters. Finishing off and securing confidence in a few subjects will elevate your confidence level and also trigger the rush of adrenaline – the encouragement hormone.
4. Eat right, sleep tight
Since the stress levels are high during these days, usually students have the craving to eat spicy food. However, I would advise students to avoid outings (especially the roadside food vendors, parties etc.). Home food is the best option. Some students compromise on their diet and eat less during these preparation days – that’s again being unfair to your body system. Always be diligent in eating the right food in proper quantities at regular intervals.
Sleep is one big casualty before examinations – beware of it. Never compromise with rest. Sleep debt attracts heavy penalty in terms of poor performance in examinations!
5. Map your mind
Use the mind mapping tools to easily memorize lessons. Use colour pens to underline, scribble everything that you read and revise with highlighted keywords. Look for mind mapping tools on the internet for ease of understanding.
6. Never compare
Asking friends as to how ready they are for examinations is an absolute ‘no-no’ – never do so. Let me share a secret – no student is ever 100% prepared! However, when someone boasts about his/her preparation, comparison creeps in and actually fractures your confidence! Focus only on your work, forget friends.
7. Speak out
Some students avoid discussing their feelings about their preparation – this is not a healthy habit. Discuss your plans, talk about your list of pending’s /accomplishments with your parent/guardian/ counselor or elder brother/sister (but not with your peers)
8. Energy breaks
When the piles of unlearned topics tease at you, every moment seems precious. This is when students avoid taking breaks in between study spells. Know that ‘not taking a break does more harm than any good’. Five minutes of ‘recharge break’ every 50 minutes is ideal.
A word of admonition here – you should not jump on to your internet screen (smartphone/computers) in this break time. Instead, do meditation, just lie down peacefully and take deep breaths, listen to some soothing music or walk around in the garden etc.
9. Simulate examination
If the examination time is morning 9.00 am to 12.00 noon, it would be useful to practice sitting on your study table at a stretch during these hours every day. This way you adjust your body clock which in turn will support your mind to function well while the examination. If your examination center is at an unknown place, you must visit the center a day before, to establish familiarity – it helps.
10. Think positive
Dear student, I encourage you to be optimistic. What could possibly be the worst outcome of this episode called examination! At the most, you may end up getting a few numbers lesser than other students! Less marks in the report card should neither be the reason for guilt nor for disappointment. Please do remember, ‘this is not the end of the world’.
It would be useful to think positive, irrespective of your level of preparations because thinking negative will in any case not help you in any way! If you revise your strategies using the ideas shared above, I am sure you will definitely get better with confidence and gain an edge over others.
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