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Exam worries...and how to 'write' them away
Monday 17 January 2011
It is disturbing, though unsurprising, that research among 2000 children aged from 8 to 17 showed that over half of them worry about their school work. Of course a little worry could be a good thing – it could ensure they take a serious approach to their study and focus at school rather than waste time. But another finding, that they feel pressure from home, is rather more concerning. Once again, this could be a good thing if this “pressure” is simply support and encouragement – perhaps in providing an appropriate, quiet place to do homework, helping by testing spellings and tables, listening to reading and giving reminders to eat healthily and go to bed at a sensible time.
But nowadays parents are all too aware of the importance of exam results and of the difference good grades make to career prospects. They are therefore likely to be transmitting this to their children. There is a fine line between support and pressure. Parents who may not have been successful at school may be anxious to ensure that their offspring don’t repeat their mistakes; high flyers may be desperate that their footsteps are followed.
So how can you, a concerned parent, support without pressurising, encourage without nagging? Firstly, by remembering that your daughter looks to you as a role model. If she sees you reading books, discussing and debating, arguing calmly and listening courteously she is likely to emulate these behaviours. Secondly, by showing a genuine interest in her work without always trying to make her “improve” and by giving her praise when it is merited she will realise that her work matters.
As exams approach help your daughter structure her revision, offer to give whatever help she wants and then…back off. Take nourishing snacks to her, reassure and praise her, and take some advice from our Heads’ Tips on revision and exam time
Finally, just before her exams, encourage her to write down her worries because according to reports in The Daily Telegaph 13/1/11, research indicates that worrying depletes the brain’s working memory. Students who write out their anxieties prior to exams showed a 20% improvement in their results – worth a try!
And of course remember that praising effort above achievement is better for them not only psychologically but also a long term way of making them more resilient and better motivated. Grade hunting, rewarding good results with money etc are materialistic ways of motivating people.