Every year this time round there is a lot of talk of 'exam stress' or 'exam anxiety'. Any event that tests our abilities and attracts the attention of everyone around us is bound to make anyone anxious. I agree that so much of what one can do in the future depends upon how a child performs at this point. But don't you feel that if children were allowed to take all their exams including the boards as only a measure of how much of what they have learned in the whole academic year - a mere evaluation or assessment for their own understanding of their achievement level rather than a matter of life and death- more than half the problem is taken care of?
Why fret about exam anxiety - in the process creating some more, even for the confident students?
Children need to be taught to first and foremost set long term and short term goals for themselves. In view of the long term goal, their success at the short term goal is ensured by systematic stepwise progression. In this regard proper time management and study skills need to be inculcated very early in the academic pursuit.
Anxiety is a normal phenomenon that every individual is bound to face before any performance. And we all know that some amount of anxiety is necessary for optimal performance. The point is that no child can suddenly fall prey to overwhelming anxiety. There are some characteristic features in children who would succumb to the pressure. The signs of difficulties would be visible very early in their academic history. It is because they are overlooked in the earlier classes that they take on a full- blown shape at the time when internal and external pressures to perform peak.
Catch the early signs of exam anxiety-
Consistent inability of a child to perform in one or more subjects.
Poor performance despite additional help (tuitions/coaching)
Physical illness just before tests on repeated occasions.
Disinterest in school and other related activities.
Excessive crying/nervousness before exams.
Inability to concentrate and frequent forgetfulness.
A tendency to hide homework diaries, report cards and test papers.
And in extreme cases avoidance of school and other social activities.
For those parents whose children are going to take exams soon:
Let your children go at their own pace.
Help them organize themselves in such a way that they can at least cover the portion of their syllabus that they already know, well. E.g. your child has set herself a target of achieving 60% in her exams- instead of insisting on her preparing the complete syllabus, have her prepare 70% of her syllabus very well. This will ensure that she can answer questions from that portion well and get the desired result.
Break up the topic into smaller chunks and take frequent short breaks between topics.
Give her lots of fluids- it helps fight lethargy and enhances alertness.
Your child must take adequate rest before the exam.
Let go of your anxiety – only then can you help your child.
All the best.
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