The only thing worse than facing exams is to prepare extensively for them and then be told that they have been postponed! Though it did happen earlier also once in a while, this time it has been across the board. Those who were appearing for Board exams and simultaneously preparing for entrance tests have been left high and dry, without even an indication of what the new dates will be.
Most students study with the exam dates in mind. They calculate the number of days left and divide the ‘portion’ accordingly, and even build up their tempo as the date keeps coming near. Right now students do not have even a vague idea when the exams will be held. So what are they supposed to do? Here are some useful tips:
- Since the elders are at home, if they can organize a couple of hours of ‘family studies’ time. Those who know the subjects can teach the student. Those who do not know can study along with the student and can ask questions to each other. Be serious and committed to the time set apart and let there be no distractions during study time.
- Revision can be done based on answering the ‘why’ of each topic rather than just memorizing the lessons. Remember the song ‘Bum bum bole’ in the movie “Taare zameen par” in which the teacher asks so many intriguing and fascinating questions about the world around us? Even you can do it, with each family member providing some inputs based on their experiences.
- Ensure that you do not remain out of touch with any subject for more than 2-3 days at a time. Pick up the book and browse through for at least few minutes, mark out the doubts and difficult portions, and either study them on your own or ask someone to explain to you.
- The kitchen is a wonderful place for experiential learning. Children can occupy vantage points in the kitchen (boys included) and discuss how each action connects to some subject: vegetables to botany, nutrition to zoology, cutting and splicing and cooking on the stove to physics, oils etc. to chemistry, origin of each type of food to geography, names of every vegetable to different languages, and of course the economics and expenses of food production to mathematics.
- Maintaining a daily routine is fundamental to getting back to regular academics after the break. Force yourself to wake up at a particular time, change into day-time dress, allot specific undisturbed place for studies, and set a time-table with lots of breaks in-between for entertainment. When studying there should be no distraction from any family members.
- Make a list of all possible careers and start the process of short-listing based on not just your interest but also your capabilities and aptitude. Keep ready your Plan B: For example if you do not get a good enough rank in NEET to get a seat in MBBS, check out whether you would like to do dentistry, alternative medicine, nursing, paramedical courses, nutrition, pharmacy or even hospital administration. Utilize this time to explore alternatives and options that come closest to your dream career.
- Equally important is not to allow the forced home-stay to pull you down and spoil your mood. Those who have been used to socializing, moving around or playing outdoor games may feel very frustrated. Learn to handle the future where discipline is required – hostel stay, military life, living in a different city or in a very cold country where you cannot go out in winter.
I can assure you that you can emerge stronger, more disciplined and more versatile in handling difficult situations once this pandemic is over. It all depends on your positive mental attitude, willingness to change and cope, and your creativity in making lock-down life free from all mental lock-downs. -Dr. Ali Khwaja
