Counsellors advice clocking the right time for shining in exams

In lieu of the upcoming exam season, students have always had their mind in a state of havoc. Many students blindly adopt the timetables set by bright students, without realising their strengths and weaknesses, thus ending up lagging behind as they are unable to cope with the demanding timetable.

“It is of utmost importance that students have a fixed routine so that there is organised studying. Ideally, they should study the subjects they dislike first and then move to the subjects they find easy. Having a timetable helps in uniform study,” says Chaula Patel, a Counselling Psychologist.

Time management is another issue which if used properly can avoid both fear and stress. Sleepless nights, troubled thoughts, loss of appetite, rapid pulse, trembling hands -- these are typical manifestations of exam fear. The mental satisfaction of being prepared could help avoid last minute stress. However, for last minute preparation, Chaula suggests, the students should solve previous years’ question papers.

“One must solve these question answers so that he/she is familiar with the syllabus. This acts like an open book test and writing this out shall give practice to the student for the final exams. Besides, time should be equally split for sleep and study. Adequate and peaceful sleep is necessary for memory retention,” she adds. Sleep saturation could lead to last minute blanking out and breaking downs.

Short breaks should be taken every few hours and during these breaks, watching of television and internet should be avoided as audio-visual medium tend to have a stronger impact on the mind and interferes with the memory and learning procedure.

According to Nalini Sengupta, Principal of Vidya Valley School, setting of “realistic time tables” are a must.

“Having a follow-able time table helps in completing the target. Students must sleep early and rise early. They  should ideally choose a difficult topic first as the concentration is the highest after good rest. In the middle, he/she should finish the easy ones and at the end revise what you studied of the difficult topics. Evicting the difficult topics helps in keeping up self confidence and concentration,” she says.

In a nutshell

1. Make small but effective study plans that are close to reality. Start rewarding yourself for every well executed plan to remain motivated.
2. Inculcate positive attitude & be confident with your goals.
3. Focus on time required to tackle subjects one after the other based on the syllabus and developing skills in relation to the same.
4. Prepare a time –table starting with the most difficult or vast subject covering all the required study materials and the testable materials.
5. Assess priorities, assets, and difficulties so that you are aware of the fields you need to work on.
6. Follow a normalised routine atmosphere at home that helps you remain focused. Take frequent breaks between studies so that you are fresh every time you study.
7. Divert your mind from imagining extreme consequences and worst situations as they are of no use and needs to be discouraged.
8. Constant encouragement and reassurance is essential from all significant members in the school and family.
9. It is important that you are clear about how to take the examination, how to tackle questions, and how to manage time.

Exam tension, exam anxiety or nervousness is all part of growing up. Most of this feeling comes from our mindset and pressure that comes from our family and teachers. Try to keep this at bay and you will do fine in your exams.