JEDDAH: Working consistently and according to a well-thought out study plan can help students overcome their fear and worry during final examinations, which begin Sunday, experts say.
Psychologist Othman Al-Asfoor was quoted as saying by an online publication recently that worry and tension can be expressed in the form of psychological and physical symptoms, mainly loss of appetite, insomnia, forgetfulness and the inability to write.
He said fear and worry is how young people often respond to pressure situations. These feelings around the examinations can affect the way they deal with other parts of their lives. In some cases it can lead to mental illnesses if not treated properly and in time, he said.
He said having some level of fear and worry is normal and can help drive students to study harder, and result in more enthusiasm. Students studying for two or three hours a day would then be motivated to study up to 10 hours.
Khalid Al-Obaidaly, an educationist, said teachers must work with parents during examination periods, to encourage and stimulate students to study more. He said there is a scientific and correct way to study called SQ3R, which includes browsing the material, taking notes, followed by reading with more focus, and then memorizing and reviewing.
“Students must know that if they have allocated certain hours for study on a daily basis there is nothing to worry about and they will not fear exams. To worry is only normal for most people, but it is up to them to face and get rid of it.”
About not being able to write on the day of the examination, Abdulmoneim Al-Husain, educational supervisor at the comprehensive quality department in Al-Ahsa, said this cannot happen if a student reads and memorizes information properly. “The problem is how to recall the information when needed,” he said.
He said students must try to remain calm, and breathe deeply before starting to write. They should also choose the easiest question. He said some teachers are responsible for creating this fear of examinations, resulting in some households turning into military camps.
Psychologist Othman Al-Asfoor was quoted as saying by an online publication recently that worry and tension can be expressed in the form of psychological and physical symptoms, mainly loss of appetite, insomnia, forgetfulness and the inability to write.
He said fear and worry is how young people often respond to pressure situations. These feelings around the examinations can affect the way they deal with other parts of their lives. In some cases it can lead to mental illnesses if not treated properly and in time, he said.
He said having some level of fear and worry is normal and can help drive students to study harder, and result in more enthusiasm. Students studying for two or three hours a day would then be motivated to study up to 10 hours.
Khalid Al-Obaidaly, an educationist, said teachers must work with parents during examination periods, to encourage and stimulate students to study more. He said there is a scientific and correct way to study called SQ3R, which includes browsing the material, taking notes, followed by reading with more focus, and then memorizing and reviewing.
“Students must know that if they have allocated certain hours for study on a daily basis there is nothing to worry about and they will not fear exams. To worry is only normal for most people, but it is up to them to face and get rid of it.”
About not being able to write on the day of the examination, Abdulmoneim Al-Husain, educational supervisor at the comprehensive quality department in Al-Ahsa, said this cannot happen if a student reads and memorizes information properly. “The problem is how to recall the information when needed,” he said.
He said students must try to remain calm, and breathe deeply before starting to write. They should also choose the easiest question. He said some teachers are responsible for creating this fear of examinations, resulting in some households turning into military camps.
