Boards are here! Your guide to plan last minute study

By Richha Bhatnagar

Loads of books around, last minute notes are being exchanged, mock test papers at coaching centres and late night study! Yes, boards are here.

No matter how hard we study through the year, the last few days before the exam call for ‘smart and quick study'. Few of our experts are ready with their suggestions on how to make these last few days worthwhile before the boards.

Shiksha.com spoke to few experts who deal with students on daily basis. Read though this to arrive at the best study plan.

Q. What would you tell our students who are appearing for boards this year?

Mr SK Saxena - Minimise anxiety. Taking breaks is a must, so plan short breaks in your study cycles. One should also revise thoroughly for the exam. Most importantly, I would like to say that daytime is best for studies and one should definitely make use of the sunlight.

Mrs Upma Saxena - Parents should allow their children to study stress free. At times students have the potential and but parents force them too much.

Q. What's the best way to prepare for the exam?

Mr SK Saxena - Don't strain yourself, just be cool and calm. While preparing for the exam, start from the easy topics first then move on to the other topics that have maximum weightage. Then go on to the tough and the typical problems. Don't start from the toughest problem. If you are unable to solve anything, have patience and think for few minutes and then again try to solve. There is nothing called impossible if you have a genuine will.

Mrs Upma Saxena - Tough chapters that you have not done earlier don't cover them at this moment. Do start with easy chapters and with those that have more weightage. While writing the exam, read your question paper properly and then attempt the paper.

Time management is important at this stage. Utilise every minute properly and smartly. Pray to the Gods you believe in or any other faith you follow. Very important to be calm and believe in making best efforts.

Q. Is it helpful to jot down the notes in points?

Mr SK Saxena - Yes off course, this is one of the best methods to crack the exams. This is the easiest method to understand.

Mrs Upma Saxena - Start revising your notes, revising the whole book is of no use. Points enhance the learning process. Notes should be made in quick easy to understand language. We also tell students to learn a ‘keyword' like in definition questions it is necessary to mention a perfect keyword which describes the whole situation.

Q. What routine one should follow during preparation?

Mr SK Saxena- Well I would say that one should make a proper time schedule for 24 hours. You should also make time for proper sleep of 5-6 hours, and never go for the concept of no sleep. You can also take naps in between to continue your studies further.

I have observed that most of the students don't take bath during the board exams and they won't even change their clothes. I would like to suggest all those students who follow this pattern that please do take regular bath and change your clothes regularly as it keeps your mind fresh.

One should take light diet so as to avoid being sleepy. Tea and coffee can make you fresh momentarily but avoid overdoing it.

Mrs Upma Saxena - Follow a proper routine and make time for meditation. Reading newspaper and keeping aware of the times is a good way to refresh your mind. Make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep. It will keep you fresh and your grasping and output will be much better.

Q. Should they focus more on mugging up or understanding?'

Mr SK Saxena -In some subjects you need to mug up, like in Social Studies, history you need to mug up but when it comes to geography, it is more scientific. But in mathematics you have to go after understanding. Basically, a mixture of both gives you better understanding. Try to solve your problems on your own, else try to take help of your friends.

Mrs Upma Saxena - If there is a definition, then you need to learn by heart because you have to reproduce it in the exact format. Understanding is necessary when we apply formulas as you can't memorise each and everything.

Q. Is it better to study at night or in the morning?

Mr SK Saxena- It's always better to study in day light and try to utilise sunlight as much as possible. Get up early in the morning, have your breakfast, freshen up yourself.

Mrs Upma Saxena- Every child is unique and some are day active and some are night active. If you are studying late then you should get up by 8 am and should not exceed after 12 pm. Also keep munching so that you won't feel bored about the subject.

Q. Does group study help at this stage?

Mr SK Saxena- I don't prefer group studies at this time. It is the time for self study but if you have some problem do contact your friends or teachers.

Mrs Upma Saxena- This is not the time for group study. I would prefer that students should go for self study at this moment. If you want to discuss then go ahead but I would say a big ‘no' to group study at this stage.

Q. Can tuition teachers help at this stage?

Mr SK Saxena- Well this is the time for self study. Tuition teachers go with their own time. You can ask them but don't take tuitions from them. Do write the value points in the exam and don't exaggerate the answers.

Mrs. Upma Saxena- Most of the tuition teachers have their own plans to teach the children. But I don't advise students to take the help of tuition teachers at this stage. It is advisable if you only do self study at this stage.

(Mrs. Upma Saxena and Mr. S.K.Saxena, both are Principal at private schools in Delhi.)

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