Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Subject Related Tips For Students To Conquer Boards


It’s March again, the spring time when the sweet fragrance of flowers pervades all around…when the sprightly sun pushes the buds and humans to come out of their closets…and when the festival of color, Holi, gradually sweep away the winter blues. It’s actually the time which leaves everyone with anticipations for an exciting journey ahead.

Inspite of all happenings in this beautiful spring season, there is however one lot which is still seen perspired and stressed…and it is none other than the poor student community. Reason being…the horrifying Board Exams! The season, contrary to its warm connotation, only give students restless days and sleepless nights never experienced so dreadfully in any other season. Due to the overdue stress, children tend to lose their so-called radiance of the face. 

Burdened with questions like how to master a subject, a student starts feeling the exam heat right from the beginning of the year. To their dismay, they cannot apply same strategies for all the subjects…rather require specific stratagems for each. For instance, Chemistry equations need to be tackled differently from the way Physics theories are handled…while Math entails altogether different tactics to solve the confusing sums. In such a scenario, there pops the question as to what requisite steps should be taken in order to deal with all of them smartly?

So, let’s start with subjects one by one…

Math, the most dreadful of all, needs smartness but most importantly demands practice…the only mantra to knock down the great Math fear. On the initial note, students should start with topics they like the most. Even if a certain portion doesn’t hold a good weightage in the paper, it will at least act as an excellent motivating factor during the preparation. They should try keeping pace either with the school teacher or with the tutor. Constant revision of the topics will only sharpen a student’s memory skill vital for the otherwise grueling Math paper. It is always advisable for students to strengthen their good topics first then proceeding onto the worst portions. One should refer to previous years’ question papers in order to get a strong foothold apart from working on the neatness part crucial while solving Math problems.

Science is the next most dreaded subject in the league. Mugging isn’t the solution; rather getting into the gist of the concept is much more imperative here. Knowledge of Science is a gateway to the world of technology. Keeping that in mind, students should learn to know and grow with science concepts, which will eventually help them understand the topics and the logic behind them.

In the Commerce stream, Accounts hold a strong position. It is highly recommended for students to focus on the basics where one should be very clear about the basic terminology and their logic. With practice, one gets an edge over the subject. Further, a good expert’s help in this area too aids a student conquer all the odds.

English is the next most important subject demanding full-fledged attention. A thorough English practice will only turn out to be helpful in one’s future. One should rather develop the habit to listen to spoken English than cramming up the usage of tenses and other grammar rules.

Tips are as well required to study subjects like Economics, Geography and Business Studies. In such a case, students should understand the fact that these subjects are partially practical knowledge based while the rest is theory based. All these subjects give an insight of the future world, though cramming is required till the time one actually gets to experience these concepts in real terms.

In the case of Computer Science, one should be familiar with its’ technical jargons to get an insight of the subject. A lot of mentoring is however required in this area. Understand and then explain it to others is the best trick to get a firm grip on the subject. Practical usage will manifold a student’s command over the subject which will gradually aid him to grasp the subject apart from making him technically sound in it.

For subjects like History and Social Science; the technique applied to get into the root of the matter is altogether different. One should inculcate the habit of watching period movies, read drama novels. This will certainly retain a person’s interest in the subject as well help him remember the important dates and occurrences. One can try Extramarks Smart Learn Modules and Mindmaps also for this purpose.

Last but not the least, students should not lose confidence in themselves. This is not the end of the world. One just needs to be strategic and confident. For this, inculcate vast interest in whatever subjects are meant for studying as this will not only help one score better marks in the exams but will also improve one’s knowledge of the subject.
So, enjoy learning.

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Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Parenting Tips During Exams

“When I did my Exams, I always used to score the highest. My parents never had to badger me for studying…”
“How did your friends score so well…?”
“So what if your teacher scolded you…its exams time and she wants you to stand up to our expectations…”


You can hear these lines from almost every student’s home these days. The over ambitious parents, who don’t understand any word less than “best”, constantly bully their kids till the time they see him/her actually confined. They are rather happy on seeing their child studying overnight sans play and fun such as watching TV etc., as this is vital for them to conquer the top and be termed as a “Topper”.
But in the long run, they can see the same lot yearning for the lost childhood brutally snatched away by ruthless parents when young.

…Give me some sunshine

Give me some rain
Give me another chance
I wanna grow up once again…


It is true that a kid’s all-round development gets adversely affected due to peer pressure of performance and achievement. Instead of pampering and supporting during such stressful periods, parents rather believe in nagging them incessantly. Infact, the mounting stress restrains a child from indulging in any other activity which otherwise functions as an imperative contribution to his holistic growth. Worst of all, if by any chance the child fails to fetch the desired score, fear grips him which forces him to take an extreme step such as committing suicide.
Who is responsible for such an act? Not the child obviously, but it is the score crazy parents!

It’s high time for parents to understand that if they really aspire to sign a star-studded report card, then they need to wisely support their children persistently.
“Nagging doesn’t help,” says Childline counselor, Maggie Turner. “Keep your expectations out of it; kids have enough of their own. And stay calm. No comparisons with others. Demonstrate that you value their efforts - reward them for trying, even if they didn't succeed.”

According to experts, even if parents have no understanding of some concepts like trigonometric formulae and chemical reactions, it is advisable that they should still help their kids as in check if he is comfortable with the coaching classes he has been attending. Many a times, children suffer from an immense low self-esteem when scolded in front of others or are burdened with the tuition and coaching classes. In such a case, parents should try interacting with the child; and if required, should change his coaching center. Parents’ support is always appreciable, even if they help them in revising. But simultaneously should also be ready to get scorned faces and ignorant looks at times – something which adds spice to parenthood.

As parents, one best thing that they can do is to take care of their child’s diet and logistics. They must ensure that he is having a healthy breakfast. A dish of flakes and hot milk would be great! Other healthy options include – instant oatmeal with raisins and milk; vegetable upma or poha; mixed vegetable porridge with boiled egg or missi roti/stuffed parantha with buttermilk to name a few. Equally important is hydration which can be ensured through his sufficient intake of liquid throughout the day. While sugary, heavy food or caffeinated liquids are a strict no-no.

Parents should pay attention to minutest details such as providing a quiet, well lighted area with little distractions to help the child study efficiently. They should create a study-ritual to aid them study systematically, and should encourage them to use the same place to study everyday. Apart from this, small goals as one or two chapters or even topics can be set. If at all, they are studying for long durations, then schedule breaks say after every one or two hours. A child should get at least one evening a week off from tiresome studies. Certain amount of freedom too should be given as allowing them to go for a walk, meditate or solve brain tickling puzzle. Parents can even try essential aromatherapy oils to help child beat stress with a relaxing massage or bath.

If needed or if the child is too stressed, then parents shouldn’t hesitate to consult a child psychologist. Constant reassurance to the child becomes mandatory which should highlight that their welfare is more valuable than their result. Infact, children should be kept away from all domestic issues and turbulences, while at the same time parents should maintain their cool.

Parents should be calm and positive on the day of the exam. The child should be properly taken care of as waking him up on time, making him eat light breakfast, not letting him drink too much liquid to avoid frequent visits to the bathroom etc. Cross-check the essential equipment required in the paper (calculators, rulers etc). In short, they should make him feel at ease and not lonely which is a typical syndrome during exams. They can discuss the paper later on without pointing too much mistakes which can easily depress the kid.


So in nutshell they should remember, “Good Marks are not everything and bad marks doesn’t mean end of the World.” Its upto them now how they would like to see their child in future – a talented geek or a knowledgeable all-rounder.


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Healthy Tips For Board Exams

Every student works hard to do well in the exams so that he can achieve good marks in the academic year. But as a matter of fact, students do fall apart most of the times when it concerns their exams especially in the CBSE board papers which is seen as a dread by the student community every year.

With board exams taking place every year, students are pressurized to perform beyond their caliber. The mounting stress only makes them weary of exams as it demands a high-scale preparation. Generally, after every paper, students have a tendency to calculate their scores just to get an idea about their performance level. If satisfactory score calculation then the day turns awesome as well making them motivated to break the set records in the consecutive papers. But if by any chance the calculation fails to meet their expectations, it leaves a depressing impact on them making them demotivated which eventually reflect in their next performance.       
Gradually when the D-Day comes and the culminating effect is visible through the report card in the form of a disastrous score, the student really gets shattered which drives away all his positive energies.     

Keeping this in mind, a child should rather be cooperated by the parents and teachers alike who should constantly foster him to learn new learning techniques which are vital for a better score card. This implies stress buster tips to combat the escalating exam pressure in the most effective manner.
To get an above average result, it is mandatory for students to inherit certain effectual guidelines which make preparation easier and stress free…especially in case of the CBSE Board Exams. It is vital for them to cross the line of 80% if really craving to enhance their report card status. Infact, the preparation should start at least months before the onset of the exam season.

One should dedicate more time on studies than extracurricular activities which should not be completely sidelined, but the timetable should be more intelligently divided. Where studies are concerned, it is prerequisite for a student to start making notes while attending classroom lectures as these help immensely apart from preparing personal notes post-school hours. By taking down notes, the revision process goes simultaneously which is an additional bonus point for any student to firmer his grip on his curriculum. In order to make the notes impressive, he can refer to library books apart from having access to online materials which help in giving a broader perspective where all-round preparation is concerned. The understanding of a specific subject heightens and so does the mind’s approach towards dealing with precise subject matters in a more creative manner.        

To get an extremely good result in a CBSE exam, a student needs to be more systematic and follow a particular pattern while answering the questions. For example, in a Math exam paper, each step carries certain marks…so a student needs to be very careful about the pattern of the exams and should strictly consider them while solving the sums.
Apart from dealing with Math related calculations, one can even refer to maps and diagrams where they are prominently used such as Geography, Science, and History to name a few. Everyday reference to these only makes a person fluent with their usages and can easily let him grasp the theory. Of course, all this requires the student to strictly adhere to his timetable schedule if desiring to outshine his competitors.

However, one mustn’t forget that taking regular breaks is equally significant if wanting to keep the mind agile and fresh with ideas to cope with the exam stress. Afterall, the proverb “all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy” correctly stresses on the fact that equal amount of play and rest is uniformly imperative alongwith studies during the exam season. It inadvertently keeps the mind sprightly which is a must if wishing to give a remarkable shot in the papers. Moreover, there is a proper time to be assigned to every activity without which imbalance reaps in an otherwise appropriately designed agenda.  

A student should always remember that at the end of each day, he should revise the topic which he has learnt through discussions and writings. It is crucial to go through them once atleast a day so that it doesn’t escapes his mind even after a hectic learning schedule. Revising and discussing is any day a better option than mugging up which is helpful only till the last exam paper but not for the entire lifelong. And a student’s motive should be always to acquire more knowledge which he can refer to anytime in his life and not just for his forthcoming exams. Learning intelligently is important here and not puking out the mugged up stuff on papers and getting over with it instantaneously! Furthermore, getting rid of mental block is the priority here and lucid learning suitably functions as the apt substitute. There is no doubt about it.

It is essential for a student to take proper intake of rest, food and fun where studying for exams are concerned. The traditional learning method cannot make a student into a genius overnight since studies done in a smart manner is the only funda through which he can gain continuous strength to cross hurdles in life ahead.
So, the mantra is to think long-term, rather than focusing on short-term acquirement of knowledge. And with this attitude, a student can do wonders next day in his paper as, he knows now what his dreams are, which is to conquer his mind and spirit in a holistic way.

So, here is a quick checklist on what you as a student should have in lieu when preparing for the dreaded CBSE exams:



  1. Revise thoroughly and not mug up
  2. Go through the previous exam papers for reference
  3. Get your essentials in place as stationary, ID card etc.
  4. Confirm and crosscheck the time and venue
  5. Find out the easiest travel route as well enquire about other necessary arrangements
  6. Take ample sleep and rest
  7. Relax by taking deep breaths


All you need now is to just believe in yourself and rock the exam hall with your ingenious mind and command over the subject. The rest will be taken care of. All the best! 




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