Mumbai: March 3,2010
Avoid new syllabus at final hour
Firstly students should make a list of the syllabus that they have to study.
They shouldn’t make the mistake of using any
new study material before and during the board exam.
Secondly, they must repeatedly revise what they have already
studied. They shouldn’t forget to take frequent breaks and must not take undue stress.
They shouldn’t cram at the eleventh hour, since it will make
them nervous and less confident. The best thing parents can
do to prevent stress is not set targets for their children.
Parents should hide their anxieties and expectations, since they add to the pressure.
Many students make the mistake of cramming lessons
outside the exam hall. This can have a negative impact
on their mind. Once students get the question paper, they s
hould read it quickly and plan which question they will attempt first.
Sudhanshu Sinhal, director, Sinhal Classes
Parents can play supportive role
It’s a common sight to watch students frantically going through their textbooks and notes during the last few days before the exams. Apart from revising, students should relax, close their eyes and should visualise going to the examination centre and attempt the paper. Visualisation of the whole procedure will help them when they take their exams since they will be familiar with what to do.
Just before the big day, students should:
Sleep well: It is a myth that if students study through
the entire night, they will remember everything in the morning.
Our mind is not a machine and it needs rest.
Light relaxation: Our body and mind cannot work round
the clock and need breaks after rigorous work.
One can watch television, go for a walk or listen to music.
Pupils must do whatever calms their mind.
Eat properly: One needs to take ample amount of nutrients
to keep the body and mind alert during exams.
How to approach the question paper:
Don’t panic: Even if one isn’t sure about the answer,
students shouldn’t panic but attempt the question nevertheless.
Once one starts writing, even a vague idea can remind us
of the correct answer.
Finish objectives first: One should try to finish the objective
questions first, since they don’t require much time and are easy to tackle.
Sequence: One doesn’t need to follow the order
and should attempt questions they know best. Then
move on to questions they aren’t very sure about.
This doesn’t affect their confidence and metal preparedness.
Parents’ role: Be supportive: Parents need to be supportive
and shouldn’t pressurise their children. Guardians should be
calm and tell them that marks don’t matter and one should just
try to give their best and not worry about the results.
Show trust: At this crucial stage students need their parents’
trust. Parents should not think that students aren’t worried
about their marks or career.
Communication: Parents should talk about routine life
to their children, apart from academics and future prospects.
They should help them relax, rather than force them to study continuously.
Neha Patel, clinical psychologist & child counsellor
Last minute revision from personal notes
Till now students would have done a lot of revision
and solved many question papers. So they should
remember the mistakes that they committed and try
not repeat it in the board exams.
Another suggestion to all those appearing for exams is
that it is important to take care of their health. It is very
important to be physically and mentally in a good stable condition.
Students often focus only on academics and ignore their health.
This approach is bound to affect their exams.
I had made some notes on my own to refer at the last minute,
which I had compiled from sessions in school .
Anjali Jadhav, topper in 2009
(Backward section category)
To avoid confusion abstain peer group talks
The only rule that I followed during exams is to avoid talking to friends.
This is because discussing the syllabus and other details with friends
lead to unnecessary pressure. Discussing academics with friends may
cause confusion since all students have different patterns.
I used to sleep during the day and study at night, but it's important
to get proper sleep especially before the exams.
Avoid food that is oily and heavy before the exams.
And lastly, students should heed advice given by
teachers and parents since they know the best.
I got good support from them.
Navneet Mehrol, topper in 2009
(Handicapped category)
Solving previous board papers will help
Children need to start gearing up well in advance,
rather than doing last minute preparation before exams.
This only leads to confusion and panic.
My son took a week-long break after his preliminary
exam got over and got back to his study routine by February.
Hence, he has been studying for the past one month and
is well prepared.
Solving previous year’s exam papers will help
them understand the format of the question paper.
Parents will be apprehensive about board exams,
but they must try to hide it since it can make children nervous.
One must also plan out their day well.
Every child has their unique style of preparation -
some make notes while some read everything aloud.
One must stick to whatever suits them rather than try to copy other students.
Shivali Prakash
Rid worries, fears that children may possess
I don't create an ambience where my daughter feels that the
board exam is going to be different and a tough exam.
I try to convince her that it is like any other exam.
I tell her to cram lessons at the last minute, just before the exams.
I make sure that she follows the same routine.
We make sure that she gets nutritious food and sleeps.
It is necessary to rid any worries that she may have.
I have made copies of her hall ticket and I will accompany her
to the exam centre 45 minutes before schedule.
Parents must understand that, it's not a big deal if their
children don't come in the merit list.
In later life, no one asks for SSC scores.
Mahesh Bhatt
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