i was just browsing Quora and I came across a question where a parent was asking, “How to motivate my daughter so that she is not afraid of exams?” and it reminded me of the time when I was a professor in an engineering college. It was the parent-teacher meeting on ‘Result Day’. There were mixed reactions, some of them were happy while others were not. As he was talking to one of the parents, he told me “Sir! My son studies hard all the time but doesn’t get good grades. And this has been the situation since his childhood.”
The concern was very genuine and I found that it was also the most common problem with other parents. The next day, after having a casual conversation with the students, I realized that most of them had a good knowledge of the subject, but somehow got lower grades in the exams.
In most of the students, the reason I found was test phobia or fear of the test. Therefore, I tried to find the solution for that. I read a lot of articles, blogs, and psychological research behind test fear. I shared my following observations during a conference with students at the start of the new semester:
“It is very common and quite natural for test fear to develop before exams and intensify as the test date approaches. However, the intensity of the anxiety varies from student to student. But it all depends how you’re going to handle it.” with the. It is his attitude with which he will face the exam that will be reflected on the mark sheets.”
It’s true that there can’t be a single fixed way to overcome exam fear, but there are quite a few common techniques that could be used to ease exam pressure:
- Try to find out the exact cause of the fear
This may sound strange, but most of the time we are missing out on the exact cause. Fear without reason or cause is always more harmful. So, have a deeper thought about what exactly you are afraid of ‘on the test’: fear of lack of preparation or fear of failing the test or the consequences of failing? And if it’s about consequences, then what kind of consequences? Is it about your future or your parents or the people around you who will make your life hell if you fail?
- The solution for the cause.
Once you are clear about the cause, you can always find one or more solutions for it. For example, if it is the lack of preparation: make a regular study schedule so that you are very constant and increase your confidence unconsciously. If it’s about consequences after failing, trust me! It’s not the latest thing available, there are plenty of other things available that could fill that gap. Also, you can always reappear for the test and get good grades with good preparation. And speaking of the people around you, they’re going to judge you regardless of whether you get good grades or get flunked. So ignore it or learn how to deal with it without wasting your precious time.
- everything is psychological
It’s always about psychology. We spend too much time thinking instead of taking action. Sometimes we think too much about failing a part and it not only consumes our time but we develop negativity towards everything. Instead, try to stay positive like you’re going to pass with good numbers or what fun you’ll have once exams are over. Ambitious thinking and daydreaming always help motivate us. But of course, don’t spend too much time daydreaming. Don’t you think it’s worth a try?
- Have a backup!
Even now, if you can’t control the thoughts of failing exams or you are still afraid of exams. Try this! Consider the worst case scenario where you are going to fail the exam. So what are all the other options you might have to pursue a career? Or what are the things you are really good at that you can take up as a profession? This plan B will take the pressure off you and you can now focus on your studies. Always have a backup in all situations, if not this then that! It will lighten your heart and mind. I actually tried this one only during my graduation and it really worked for me to get good grades on the exam.
So, it all comes down to one thing: if you think that exams are just the checkpoints for your knowledge and not the last option in life, the fear of exams will disappear.
These points in the lecture helped them in a very effective way and it was confirmed when I met two of the students at an event last month. Similarly, I read a wonderful blog that describes the very practical and basic techniques or ways to not only beat your fear of exams but also get high test scores. Discuss how changing regular tasks or following certain methods will increase the student’s efficiency.