By Silpi Sahoo
Let us proactively tackle the emerging epidemic of “Exam Stress” before it takes a more widespread toll. The disturbing trend of student suicides is increasing, and it is necessary to fully understand the complex variables that contribute to this worrying trend. Academic stress is still a significant contributing factor in this. India, a country with a sizable population, struggles with a startling suicide rate among its 14–30 age group, highlighting the widespread influence of scholastic demands. The alarming truth of the NCRB data—roughly 35 student suicides every day—highlights the pressing necessity for an all-encompassing solution to this epidemic.
The significance of board exams places a weighty responsibility on students, compelling them to strive for commendable scores. Consequently, the accompanying pressure necessitates careful and thoughtful management. Parents serves as a crucial pillar in guiding students through the demanding landscape of board and competitive exam preparations. This collaborative journey begins with the establishment of structured study plans tailored to each student’s unique needs. Working hand-in-hand, parents can break down the syllabus into manageable sections, ensuring a balanced and effective approach.
Additionally, emotional support is crucial during exams, easing students’ stress and doubts. Parents play pivotal roles in creating a comfortable environment for seeking clarification. Open communication with educators and peers is vital for addressing uncertainties promptly and fostering deep understanding, contributing to improved academic performance and building students’ confidence and resilience.
Following are 10 powerful approaches to help the students through this process:
- Create a well-structured learning schedule: There are numerous important elements involved in creating a successful study plan for your child. Prioritize them according to urgency and difficulty after first evaluating their issues and topics. Set up specified study times for every subject. Keep an open mind and be flexible, modifying the schedule as needed to account for unforeseen circumstances or shifts in comprehension. Follow your strategy, but don’t hesitate to make changes if you think it won’t work as intended. Emphasize understanding over memorization and help your child to maintain a balanced lifestyle with leisure and interests to sustain overall.
- Provide academic support: Provide academic support to your child if they require assistance with any subjects or topics. You can go over their notes, help them with their assignments. But don’t put too much pressure on them or take over their schooling completely, as this could undermine their self-assurance and independence.
- Provide Resources: To help them expand their knowledge base, make sure they have access to high-quality books, study guides, online databases, and practice exams. Encourage your youngster to use apps or tools for learning in order to maintain regularity and organization.
- Promote Regular Revision: It’s important to revise. To improve comprehension and recall, encourage your youngster to go over earlier material on a frequent basis.
- Set Realistic Goals: Assist Your Child in Creating Achievable Short- and Long-Term Objectives by Setting Realistic Goals. They remain motivated and concentrated as a result.
- Teach Time Management: Help your kids learn how to efficiently manage their time when taking tests. To enhance time management, take practice exams under exam settings by using mock tests.
- Promote Healthy Lifestyle: promoting healthy lifestyle habits is essential for holistic development. Encouraging regular breaks, sufficient sleep, and balanced nutrition contributes to both physical and mental well-being. Physical activities should be integrated into the daily routine to help manage stress and improve cognitive function. By prioritizing overall well-being, educators and parents contribute not only to successful exam outcomes but also to the long-term health and resilience of the students.
- Offer Emotional Support: Provide a solid emotional support system. Pay attention to their worries, anxieties, and issues. Students may experience emotional strain during board exams. Give words of support, inspiration, and assurance. Give them advice on how to relax, engage in physical activity, or use other healthy coping mechanisms to help them manage stress and anxiety.
- Celebrating Milestones: Recognizing and celebrating milestones, whether big or small, contributes to a sense of achievement and motivation. Teachers and parents can acknowledge students’ efforts and progress, instilling a positive mindset that is conducive to effective learning.
- Stay Optimistic and Be Patient: It’s important to keep a cheerful attitude and practice patience during the stressful period of board exams. Throughout their preparation, your child may experience a range of emotions, so it’s important to be understanding and upbeat. Instead of criticizing, concentrate on providing helpful direction and encouragement. Reassure them by pointing them that putting in their best effort is what counts most, not how well they score on tests. Never forget that every child is a special individual with particular needs, preferences, and traits. What fits one person might not fit another. Adjust your support to your child’s unique needs and characteristics. Establishing a supportive and caring environment will greatly help your child succeed by enabling them to confidently face the obstacles of preparing for the board exam.
(The author is Chairperson of SAI International Education Group)
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