Examination- ‘Only way to golden door to bright future’……………Is it really?

The word Examination itself creates a lot of stress and anxiety in the minds of young adults, their parents and teachers.

The most affected are the young adults. They start dealing with this, right from the time they begin their schooling. By the time they reach high school, examination-related stress, anxiety and tension increase multiple folds.

• Examinations are stressful because students have to understand, learn, remember and recall a lot of information in a limited time.

• Examinations are stressful because students and not just their knowledge will be judged based on their performance in those just three hours in the examination hall.

• Examinations are stressful because of the expectations of the parents, relatives and society and the pressures built up by them.

• Examinations are stressful because of the personal aspirations, expectations of students and the prevailing extreme competition.  

• Examinations are stressful as these are assumed to be the only way to open the golden doors to a bright and successful future.

Parents and teachers in their effort to motivate and maintain the pressure on students constantly tell them that -

If you score well your life will be set.

If you don’t work hard, others will outshine you.

If you don’t perform well in exams you will struggle all through your life.

What people will say if you don’t do well in exams?

           

You have to perform well in exams and bring honour to the family.

You have to score well and fulfil our dreams.

You are our only hope, don’t disappoint us.

Our neighbour’s/relative’s children have done well so you have to do well too.

If you are not able to get an admission in a professional college what will you do to earn a respectable income?

These and other such anxiety and guilt ridden statements may usually be bombarded on the young and impressionable minds, as early as in the first grade.

Some students who are either sensitive, or think they do not have enough capability to meet their parents’ expectations, or do not have an inclination to become a doctor or an engineer may start feeling guilty.

Constant persuasive reminders to perform well in exams may lead them to feel worthless, helpless and hopeless.

As a result these students may start contemplating to end their pain by ending their lives.

As parents, teachers and relatives, if you are able to remove the pain of those students, you may be able to save many precious and promising lives.

The foremost step you can take is to challenge your own deep-rooted insecurities and unrealistic expectations. World has drastically changed. There are so many options and opportunities. Team up with your children and explore the possibilities in the area of their interest.

The other step you can take is to find out positive ways to motivate your young ones. Instilling fear of failure may demoralize and discourage the youth. It may also affect their creativity, spontaneity and risk taking ability.

Examination stress is real. Don’t assume that once the examination is over your child will be fine or assume that ‘my child cannot harm himself/herself.’

Every year hundreds of students commit suicide. In most of the cases it comes as a shock to parents and teachers. Know about the warning signs and be alert. A timely intervention may save the life of your child.

Continued……….