KOCHI: If the number of frantic calls flowing into the counselling centres are any indication, then the fast approaching board exams have already started taking its toll on the students. From the nature of the exam to the mode of preparation to learning techniques to memorising abilities, students have a wide range of queries. “I have just finished my model exams and it was tougher than I expected. Hardly a month is left for the exams and I do not know how I’ll manage, how I can score better marks, and will I be able to recollect what I have learnt during examination?" asked Deepa (name changed), one of the students who visited a counselling centre in the city.Probably, these are the common woes of many SSLC students in the city. The counsellors observe that the pressure among students is growing due to the ‘countdown’ mentality of teachers and parents. “As the exams are nearing, parents and teachers have started the countdown. Children are reminded every now and then that only few days are left for the exams. This adds fuel to their anxiety. It creates an irritation and panic among students,” said Varghese Puthussery, chief counsellor of the Santwanam Institute of Counselling and Psychotherapy.Losing sleep to complete one's lessons might not be a great idea, he added. “Studying during day time is the most commendable practice. But parents and teachers compel students to study more at night. Students who sit and learn during the night are often labelled as ‘studious lots’. But it is a huge mistake on the part of parents and teachers. They are not worried about the consequences one has to face due to lack of sleep. Mostly the conversion of short term memory to long term memory occurs during sleep. And students who are unable to sleep eight hours will have problems remembering their lessons. So we suggest students to get proper sleep with the concentrated study.”Counsellors also observe that grading has not really been successful in bringing down stress levels. “Grading system hasn’t come as any relief to the students. Despite the grading system, it is the percentage of marks that is calculated for entrance examinations and students are categorised according to the percentage” said Shiny Shibhu, counsellor of the Childline Counselling Centre which receives more than five calls a day.“We get at least five calls each day. Many students complained about not having good memory compared to other students. Most of the callers are students studying in government schools. This is the last phase of their course and it is pointless to ask students to learn more and read new books. Instead, students should be asked to revise whatever they have learnt. Revision is the mother of memory and working extra time is not a solution,” said Shiny. Parents and teachers should guide the students in the right direction, warding off their fear and anxiety, he said.
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