As Grade 12 learners across the country started their crucial National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on Tuesday, pressure mounted on learners (and parents) as they worried about revision, performance, and the future.  

Here is a guide to help learners achieve balance and academic success, and how parents can provide essential emotional and practical backing.

Study tips for learners

We all know Matric exams are stressful, and it’s easy for the next person to say, “Good luck and don’t stress.” But while these exams are important, it’s also crucial to avoid burnout. 

Sleep well, eat well

Treat studying like strenuous exercise, but ensure you are physically prepared by sleeping at least 8 hours every night, eating properly, and drinking plenty of water.

Before beginning a study session, have all necessary materials ready that you may need, such as pencils, pens, highlighters, and paper.

Try to stay positive

While this is an important exam, be positive while reminding yourself about the importance of the work and achieve marks to help your brain retain information.

Take breaks

Keep study sessions short but effective, and reward yourself with short, constructive breaks – and maybe a sweet treat or two. Taking a walk (or touching grass, if you will) can also stimulate learning through a change of scenery.

Divide and conquer

Break learning sections into manageable parts. Trying to absorb too much at once leads to a tired, anxious, and unfocused brain.

Focus your energy

Be confident in the learning areas you know well, and concentrate your brain energy on the sections you find more challenging.

Learners can boost their memory using specific tools such as flashcards, mnemonic codes and mind maps. 

Exam day readiness

On the day of the exam, proper preparation and time management are critical. 

Make sure you have everything on you

Ensure you have all necessary stationery, including pens, pencils, erasers, and a calculator (with new batteries). Bring your ID document and examination admission letter.

Arrive early

Be on time, aiming to arrive at least one hour before the exam starts.

Follow instructions

Use the 10 minutes reading time to carefully review the instructions, which helps ‘open’ the information in your brain.

Strategic answering

While all questions are generally compulsory, you do not have to answer them in order; start with the easiest question to get yourself into it easier.

Read the question words

Look out for key question words (e.g., Analyse, Define, Compare, Discuss) to understand exactly what the examiner is asking.

For example, if asked to Define, this is where you will give a clear meaning; if asked to List, simply write a list of items; if asked to Explain, make clear, interpret, and spell out the concept.

Check weighting

Manage your time according to the marks allocated for an answer, ensuring you do not give more or less information than required.

Keep calm

Never panic, even if a question initially seems difficult. Remember it will be linked to material you have covered, so just find the connection.

How parents can be guides, not enforcers

Learners are writing but parents are not off the hook as parental support during the Matric period can, potentially be the difference between success and burnout. Parents should aim to be guides, not enforcers.

Accept strengths

Focus on your child’s unique passions and abilities rather than pushing them toward parental ambitions. While you do want what’s best for your child, misalignment of goals risks resentment, burnout, or dropping out later.

Reduce household stress

Household disputes, divorce conflicts, or small arguments can magnify exam anxiety.

Lighten the load

What might be good news for the learners, but try to rebalance household responsibilities to show your child that their study time and effort are valued.

Manage your own stress

Parents’ emotional states directly impact their children. Parents should regulate their own emotions during this time. Check in with the learner, ask if they are on track, and then step back.

Be a partner, not a policeman

Support works best as a partnership. Parents should help learners stick to their study commitments without acting as “law enforcement”.

IOL

Source link