Cracking the Code: CBSE Boards

According to Gandhi ji, Education must become coextensive with life as it starts from birth and does not end till last breath. If that sound too cliché to you, allow me to share the latest version of it. We began with exams and our life continues to be an examination till we die. From the first stage of development to the last, the struggle and the rigmarole that we all face is almost never ending. With the education system becoming more rigorous with the re-introduction of boards for class 10th, let’s look at few ways to crack this code:

Identify Productive time: Research by Scientists has pretty much put to rest the old saying about the mornings being the best time to study. Studying at late night might just be the perfect time for some of us as there are few distractions that demand attention, and may be the fatigue and lack of focus that you might feel at this time could actually boost your creativity. While this plan works well for studying the regular course, you must follow the same routine that you would follow during exam days. Adequate sleep and good diet are very important for better functioning of brain during exams.

Knowing your subjects: Ideally, there are five subjects in grade 10 or 12 and each require different style of preparation. Decide the order of preference of your liking from most too least as it will help you in designing your study plan. For instance, if you like Science the most and Social Science the least, you may plan your time table accordingly. The most productive time must be given to the least liked subject as it balances the learning.

Know your Learning style: While the psychologists and scientist are still brain storming about the learning style theories, you can easily identify yours by closely observing your day to day study pattern. The simplest example for it would be the notes that you prepare during your class room/coaching sessions. People learn by writing, making pictures, listening to the notes or doing things. Mostly we are a combination of various learning styles and it also varies with the subject. Prepare your notes in your favourite style as it becomes quite handy during the revision before exams. If you are an artist, picture-notes is the best way to unleash your creativity.

The Attention Span: Are you able to sit for your studies for hours or you need breaks in between. The best way is to identify your attention span which may vary from 15 minutes to an hour. Ideally, half an hour of concentration is known to be good enough for learning. Taking a short break helps your brain to relax and tune itself for peak performance. Stop studying at least one hour before you go to sleep and keep gadgets at bay before sleep.

Managing mock papers: The success of cracking the exam lies in how you have trained your brain. Students often revise chapter wise and feel confident about it. Brain is intelligent enough to know that the concepts studied are limited and hence you think that you have learnt all. During exams, it becomes a challenge to retrieve information and write it as the syllabus covers 15 or more chapters. Hence, it is important to train ourselves by taking as many mock tests as possible. During exams, more than your conceptual knowledge, your ability to perform in exam environment is important. When you give mock papers, focus on speed. Try to answer the paper as early as possible in a neat handwriting.

Handwriting and Presentation: CBSE or any other boards for that matter requires descriptive answers and hence, the students need to be well-trained on how to present their paper and in legible writing. The only mantra that needs to be followed here is practice by writing as examination are nothing but an event that requires effective speed time management. You might be an intelligent student but if you cannot retrieve, write and manage your time simultaneously, cracking boards definitely becomes an uphill task.

(Look for a sample at this link: http://cbse.nic.in/curric~1/modal2014/Class%20X/Mathematics.pdf)

Health is wealth: Take extra precaution for your health. Keep yourself hydrated, avoid junk food, eat lots of fruits, do light exercises and keep calm. This routine should be follow throughout the year as it boosts your energy levels and learning power. The exam pressure might put you under stress. Meditate to de-stress yourself. One simplest way to do this is close your eyes, take deep breaths and release your brain from unnecessary information. You may also follow a daily routine of 15 min walk in the garden. These simple techniques work wonders for your mind.

The above mentioned tips are majorly about the first public examination you are preparing for and are not all exhaustive. In between the preparation, their might be certain more concerns. If you need more guidance and help to make yourself more confident, write to the author at counsellorais@gmail.com.

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