Opinion Two teachers write: Students don’t have to be exam warriors

It is well-known that at the senior-secondary level, a majority of students choose subjects that resemble a playlist created by their parents. And parents have a habit of guiding their wards along the line of their own sense of insecurity or “I have seen life more than you” attitude. As a result, when board exams approach, students end up preparing, writing and getting ready to be judged on subjects they do not actually like in the first place.

Fortunately, this is not everybody’s story. As teachers and parents, it is paramount that we avoid negative talk around our students. While facing this test, they require every shred of positivity that families and teachers can afford to spare. Teachers have their own challenges, like students’ attendance, practical exams, pre-boards, etc., but they must tackle them smartly. The administration of educational institutions should be mindful of the pressures faced by teachers during this time too. An environment of mutual respect and trust will help students feel cherished. We need to listen to students regarding concerns they have about their future education. Every stakeholder has to function in sync toward the same objective.

Very often, our politicians try to motivate students by doing programmes like ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ and books like ‘Exam Warriors’. It is good to try to connect with students to motivate them in the run-up to these exams, but how about meeting them again when the exams are over?

Another trend that has gathered traction over recent years is likening board students to “warriors”. Who are they warring against? Who are their enemies? Who wins? Who loses? This strange, aggressive narrative of treating board exams like a war has a dubious effect on students. On the contrary, treating board examinations like a wonderful experience — like a sport or a match where they will be required to put their best academic foot forward — may be more useful. As elders, we act like prisoners of our own doings. Much of the anxiety our students feel trickles down to them from us. Even our pep talks have traces of anxiety in them.

Smart as they are, students can easily sense fear emanating from a parent or teacher. Pep talks can be replaced by mature conversations. Issues making the youth anxious should be addressed and both stakeholders should attempt to arrive at solutions to help them cope with their stressors. Only once they realise that we are actually with them will they feel any sense of comfort. They will also be able to focus better and procrastinate lesser. They will be able to accept their faults and shortcomings and better recognise improvement areas.

We also encourage parents to partner with teachers in this journey toward board exams. Every child has a favourite teacher. The teacher should be contacted and kept in the loop regarding your efforts to make the academic life of your ward better. If your child feels better by studying with her or his friends, try not to dismiss the idea. Allow it and your trust will be reciprocated. Be more open-minded and big-hearted. Myopic vision and techniques are not known to create solid and confident individuals.

There is no denying that there will be students who have a lot of ground to cover and that task will seem gigantic. It is in this situation that they require our compassionate support the most. Rather than elevating the panic, we should use this as an opportunity to learn to respond to setbacks. A lot of students tend to put their physical and mental health in the back seat during these times. It is our duty to be on the lookout for such indicators and respond actively to the situation.

As we grow up, we tend to downplay the stress and pressures we faced when we were young. However, these hardships do pose an enormous challenge for young minds. We need to remember the times when we were in a similar situation and take an empathetic approach.

Young people today are tech-savvy. They like to learn from various sources — offline and online. We can help children create a chart of accomplishments, where daily and weekly targets are mentioned. If your ward insists on using a device to explore a topic further, it is okay as long as they match the pace with their daily and weekly targets.

For many examinees, board exams are the first of many tests they face in life. Setting a precedent for behaviours and practices to be followed during this time will set their behaviour for when they face challenges ahead. The students of today will become the decision-makers of tomorrow. Their ways of responding to a test will become a defining factor in the direction our nation takes in the future.

Use this time to deepen the bond of love between parents and children, and students and teachers. For this, all stakeholders, especially older people, will have to come forward. For many students, this may also be the first exam they give in a new environment. Thus, empathising with the range of emotions they might feel right now is the first step. Let us be there for one another during these testing times.

The writers teach mathematics at a Noida school