Alleviating Pressure on Children During Exam Season
By Dickson Tumuramye
As we find ourselves amidst the hustle and bustle of another exam season, a question arises: are schools inadvertently putting too much pressure on our children? This concern is especially pertinent as schools gear up for the final UNEB examinations starting this month. Undoubtedly, these exams represent a crucial milestone in every student's academic journey, but how we approach this period can profoundly impact their well-being and long-term success.
Understanding the Influence of Pressure
Pressure, in moderation, can catalyze improvement, pushing individuals to
strive for excellence. However, when it becomes overwhelming, it turns into a
formidable adversary, potentially triggering mental health challenges and
undermining academic performance. The signs are visible: children burdened with
relentless study schedules, sacrificing weekends and personal time, often
exhibit signs of fatigue and stress-induced lethargy. This isn't mere
conjecture but a stark reality observed in many educational settings.
Reevaluating the Need for Intensified Pressure
Schools want their
children to pass excellently but I feel it's not necessary again to exert more
pressure on them. They have already devoted children to countless
hours of studying, waking up before dawn, and sacrificing leisure time for
academic pursuits. Perhaps now is the time to afford them some breathing room,
to trust in their preparation, and allow them to approach exams with a sense of
calm and confidence. It's of no value again to intensify too
much pressure in the remaining days.
The Role of Teachers and Parents
In some schools, children start classes as early as 4 am and
continue until 10 pm daily. They also have classes over the weekends, leaving
them with little time to rest. I have observed that some children under such
pressure sleep excessively during the holidays because their bodies are already
fatigued. They even confess to feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to excel. It
becomes even more concerning when parents fail to recognize this or choose not
to listen to their children. They often interpret resting as laziness, assuming
children cannot be as productive at home as expected.
Take the time to listen and understand your child. As they
grow, we are very observant and know what they can and cannot do. If you notice
changes in their productivity or if they seem less interested in activities
they once enjoyed, take a keen interest and investigate what might be troubling
your child before passing judgment. It's crucial to foster open
communication and attentively listen to children's concerns. Recognizing
changes in their behavior or productivity can offer valuable insights into
their mental state and readiness for exams.
Be mindful of the
language
Some teachers compare our
children with others and add other negative comments to them. This affects
their emotional stability and affects their self-esteem and confidence. All
children are unique and cannot perform the same way. Also, schools are under pressure
because of competition. They want to become the best in final examinations so
that they can get more learners or keep the standard. This pressure for public
image is consumed by our children and teachers. Schools can avoid comparing
themselves with others and stop staging stiff competition which adversely
affects our children and this can significantly reduce
stress levels among students.
Building Resilience and Coping Mechanisms
Equipping children with stress management techniques is as crucial as imparting
academic knowledge. These skills empower them to navigate periods of anxiety
and stress with resilience and composure. Simple practices such as mindfulness
exercises, time management strategies, and fostering peer support networks can
go a long way in promoting well-being and academic success.
Encouraging Peer Learning and Support
Peer-to-peer support can be a potent remedy for exam-related stress.
Encouraging students to form discussion groups allows for collaborative
learning and a deeper understanding of complex subjects. Sometimes,
explanations from peers resonate better than those from teachers, fostering a
supportive learning environment where everyone can thrive.
Use a Balanced Approach
Let the primary children
take adequate rest, manage their time well, and prepare well for the remaining
period. They don’t need to work under panic yet you have given them what is
adequate to enable them to pass. Feed them well. Teach them to make a timetable
and read on their own ensuring that they can balance all the subjects during
revision.
In conclusion, as we navigate through this exam season, let us heed the
call to alleviate unnecessary pressure on our children. Let us foster an
environment where they can excel not just academically but also emotionally and
socially. By doing so, we not only enhance their chances of success in exams
but also equip them with invaluable life skills that will serve them well
beyond the confines of the classroom. Together, let's make this exam season a
time of growth, resilience, and meaningful learning experiences for our
children.
The writer is the
executive director of Hope Regeneration Africa, parenting coach, marriage, and
founder of the Men of Purpose mentorship program.
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#twitter @Tumudick
#email: tumudickson@gmail.com
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Dickson Tumuramye is also a passionate speaker on:
#Positive parenting
#Marriage and family
#Child counseling
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