Tests and exams are essential part of student life, so be prepared for them on a daily basis to avoid last minute panic, said Ismail Maritheri of King Abdulaziz University while speaking at a workshop organized by Talent Teens in Buraidah.

“It is normal to feel a little nervous and stressed before any type of test, but excess stress will impede concentration and affect test performance,” he said.

Extreme test anxiety may badly affect students and they may show both physical and psychological symptoms, Maritheri said. He gave an inventory to the participants on test anxiety and found that 95 percent suffered either physical or psychological symptoms of test anxiety in the context of the upcoming board examinations in Indian schools.

“Lack of systematic preparation is the main cause of panic and anxiety,” Maritheri said. He discussed various effective tips and tricks to overcome nervousness before and during the tests. Taking control, exercising self-discipline, distributing study chunks using a variety of strategies and techniques and observing the connection between quality and quantity of study and various memory techniques were among the few pieces of advice. He quoted studies that proved students with better study methods and strategies scoring high marks in exams.

“Study will become a fun and enjoyable venture if the students identify their learning styles. Visual learners (those who learn more by reading) will benefit more if they use pictures, charts and maps while studying whereas, making speeches and presentations will benefit the auditory learners (those who learn better by listening).

Auditory learners should participate in discussions and debates besides reading the texts aloud.

Those students who learn rapidly by doing (kinesthetic learners) should engage in making models and drawing images related to various themes and topics.

Maritheri demonstrated a number of memory tricks like mnemonics, making slogans, acronyms and rhyming. He explained various dos and don’ts during preparation days and on the day.

The workshop, which was full of thought-provoking games, was instrumental in motivating participants and helping them face exams with confidence. “I feel very confident now; I am going to score more with these tips and tricks in my board exams” said Sumayya Abdul Rahim, who appears for CBSE's 10th standard exam.

“I am impressed by the tips for learning science and maths,” said Zia, who showed his special talent in solving math puzzles during the session.

The workshop began with the recitation from the Quran by Rafa Rafeeq.

Fasal Sakeer, secretary of Talent Teens, welcomed the audience and Essam Mujeeb gave a vote of thanks.

In a counseling session for parents, Maritheri shed light on the need to provide a healthy home environment for their children to study and excel in their studies and exams. “In this digital age, conscious efforts are needed to make life resplendent with healthy relationship,” he said.

Abdul Rahim Farooqui presented a memento to Maritheri.