It's that dreaded time again (Helping your child cope with exam stress)

Member Name: baecpol

Product:	Helping your child cope with exam stress
Date:	07/04/03 (150 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The qualifications are worthwhile in the end

Disadvantages: Extremely stressful and demanding

The subject of exam pressure is not a new one to me. Im only in the first year of my degree at university, and I must have already sat upwards of 100 examinations in my life, including the dreaded new as levels a couple of years back. Personally I simply cannot begin to comprehend the reasons behind the apparent exam culture evident in the society in which we are educated. In Britain we are simply taught to pass examinations, rather then taught knowledge that would be useful in later life. However im not writing to debate the existance of an exam culture in the British educational system so i'll get on with it!

The line between success and failure in examinations is an extremely narrow one indeed; I myself have been on the receiving end of both. Although everybody has their own personal way of revising and coping with pre-exam stress, theres definately right ways and wrong ways to go about it.

Preparation:

You've probably heard this a million times, but it really is best to begin revision and preparations sooner rather than later. Make yourself a revision list underlining all of the topics you need to cover before the exam. It's also a good idea to draft up a revision timetable, but be realistic; make sure you timetable yourself some time to relax as well as study. Try and get as much help from your teachers and tutors as possible; they've been through it all before and should be able to give you some useful tips and pointers.

Although last minute cramming can be useful, don't use this as an excuse to leave your revision to the last minute; unless your Einstein it's unlikely to work! On the nights before an exam, make sure you go to bed early and get plenty of sleep. Ive been silly enough in the past to go socialising with friends on the night's before important exams, and I certainly wouldn't recommend it!

At the end of the day relax. If you've prepared in good time and gone through a
ll of the relevant topics you have nothing to worry about. It is important to remember that exam results certainly arent the 'be all and end all', although if you work hard, there's no reason why you shouldn't be celebrating come results day!

During the exam:

Make sure you arrive to your exam in good time, and that you bring all of the necessary equipment, and reading material if appropriate. Before beginning to answer the questions, read through the paper thoroughly and make sure you understand everything. It's a good idea to keep a track of time so as to allocate the correct amount of time to each question. Make sure that your writing is clear, and try to ensure you use good English and accurate spelling as these can often influence your mark. Try to leave a few minutes at the end of the examination for reading through your answers, and making amendments as necessary. After you have left the hall at the end of the exam, try not to talk to others about the exam as this can make you nervous or worried.

Awaiting results:

Ive had to go through the painful wait for exam results on a number of occasions, and it can be a terrifying experience at times. In the weeks preceeding results day, try to keep your mind off the big day as this will simply make you more nervous. When you arrive at school/college/university to pick up your results, make sure that you have someone to talk to if they arent as good as you had hoped. I remember the torment I went through when awaiting my A level grades, and the relief when they finally came through, and my university place was confirmed. It's also a good idea to remember that failing an exam isnt the end of the world, there's always re-takes, or you may decide that you wish to pursue a completely different career path.

Although exams can be extremely stressful and demanding, with the required preparation, and the support of your friends and family they can be a bre
eze. Most importantly good luck and happy studying.

P.s. If you are meant to be revising for exams then you shouldn't be reading this so go and get on with it!

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