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Galway Advertiser 1999/1999_05_27/GA_27051999_E1_012.pdf
O'Connor
N e w s V F e a t u r e s
Cu t o n o nd w to the
IT'S THAT time of year again which Junior and Leaving Certificate pupils dread. As the sun streams down, they are forced to bury their heads in their books and try to get to grips with a mountain of study. TIPS F O R T H E S T U D E N T Many feel panic-stricken at the very thought of it all and it's
easy to understand their feelings. Even with regular study behind them and a good revision plan drawn up. looming exams can ruffle even the calmest person. However, it's important to remember that exam success depends as much on small things as big ones. A little forward planning can work wonders because it injects some orderliness into your life and helps reduces tension and stress It also gets you into the right frame of mind which is a big bonus on exam day. Many parents mistakenly believe there is little they can do to help their children prepare for and cope with exams. They can help ease the burdens on them in a number of ways. Here are some tips to help get you started. * G e t started, if you still have lots of revision to do, get down to it. Don't wait until you feel inclined to work. If your task is a big one, break it down into manageable proportions. Otherwise, you will only waste time trying to pick up the threads of yesterday's unfinished work. * W o r k t o a p r o g r a m m e . Most will have already drawn up a study timetable. This will give you a business-like approach and confidence in what you are doing. It will also help you to know what you are doing next.
* O r g a n i s e g o o d study conditions. Use a
regular place of study without distractions, such as radio, television, or people talking. Make sure it has good lighting and ventilation. Have a solid work surface with space for text books and writing paper, and use a firm, straight-backed chair. Have a watch or clock on hand. * W o r k a c t i v e l y a n d rapidly. Don't just browse through your notes, there's a danger you could fall asleep! tudy actively by underlining, jotting down points, making a summary, or drawing a sketch. At least half of your revision should be kept to recalling and testing yourself on what you have read. This will keep your mind alert. * K n o w w h e n t o Stop. If you have studied long and hard and are exhausted, it is best to leave further study until following day. Studying while you feel fatigued and defeated is a pointless exercise * jjajijgj, defeatist t h i n k i n g . Sometimes, it's all too easy to dwell on our weaknesses and to blow ^ Concentrate on your strengths instead and keep reminding yourself of all the study
e o f p r o p o r t i o n
H O W P A R E N T S C A N HELP
* S h o w interest in your child. You can do this in
practical ways by knowing which exams she has each day and at what times they take place.
* Create a calm atmosphere in the h o m e
w h i c h is c o n d u c i v e t o Study. Start by being calm yourself. Frazzled parents are no help to pre-exam students. Try not to be too invasive or inquisitive. It's difficult enough for students to have to apply themselves without having to deal with the Spanish Inquisition at home. * K e e p t o a routine. TYy to have meals at regular times and discourage smoking and drinking too much coffee. Smoking depletes the oxygen levels in the bloodstream and reduces the amount of oxygen going to the brain. Too much caffeine will give an artificial boost but will make the student feel more tired as a result. * Spoil y o u r Child. You can do this by giving her unexpected treats and her favourite foods
l a t e r o r m
you have done already, not what lies ahead. * H a v e r e g u l a r b r e a k s e v e r y hour. Stand up and walk around the room, or for longer breaks, * G i v e plenty o f s u p p o r t . Be available if she wants to talk over her worries and fears. have a snack, read a few pages of a book or magazine, or go for a walk. Exercise will stimulate your body and * Avoid fussing. Don't increase the pressure on your child by pushing her too hard or by making clear your mind. impossible demands on her. * B u i l d On w h a t y o u k n o w . If you have not studied consistently all year and are forced to cram, * D o n ' t m a k e c o m p a r i s o n s . Do not compare her to other students or to older brothers or sisters. try to built on what you know and go over the main points. No angst ridden student wants to hear about the sibling or friend of a friend who sailed through every exam T H E NIGHT B E F O R E with straight As and still found time to play tennis, bake cakes, or decorate her bedroom. * M a k e sure y o u k n o w the exact location of t h e e x a m centre. Work out how long it * A p p r e c i a t e her. Be sure to tell your child know you appreciate her for doing her best and stress this will take you to get there - make allowances for traffic, roadworks, etc - leave yourself plenty of time to make is all you expect. the journey. * Avoid nagging. It may be tempting to lecture her for not studying all year. Now is not the time to * D e c i d e w h a t y o u are g o i n g to wear. Otherwise, you'll be involved in a last minute scramble wail about misspent weeks and months. Bite back any frosty comments and try to be tolerant. for clothes. Wear comfortable clothes. Dressing in layers is wise as you can peel them off if you feel hot. * Ask the O t h e r children in the family t o h e l p . They can do this by creating a calm home. * Set aside all t h e e q u i p m e n t y o u will n e e d . This includes pencils, biros, rulers, rubbers, Bribe them if needs he. Tell (hem it will be just for a few weeks and ask them to keep noise levels down and correction fluid (if allowed) and mathematical instruments. to be understanding. * Avoid u n d u e t e n s i o n . This can be achieved by concentrating on what you know rather than what * Advise your child t o study by day and s l e e p by n i g h t Burning the midnight oil tends you don't know. Aim to face one day at a time and believe in yourself. You can do it! io take its toll