EDUCATION TALK with TIMOTHY KAMBILIMA
FINAL examinations at all levels are important because they compel learners to focus on their studies.
Without final examinations, most pupils would not learn. So they would know very little about the world around them.
They would take only subjects in which they are interested and obviously give a blind eye on subjects which are considered to be difficult.
Every individual is born with a certain potential which is unique to them.
People are of different kinds and not all of them are first grade or brilliant learners.
Many work extremely hard to score excellent marks, while others don’t but in some cases excel in getting the desired results.
What should our pupils do to prepare for the final examinations at grade seven, nine and 12 levels?
First and foremost, it is important for pupils preparing to write the final examinations to have a good time table in place.
Before starting the studies, pupils should design their own timetable. This timetable should direct all the material that has to be covered. It tells the pupils how much is needed to be studied every day.
A schedule of every subject, say history, should be made with different priorities.
Subjects that are perceived to be difficult and the ones in which a pupil is weak should be allocated more hours.
Easier subjects should be given less hours with sufficient intervals between each subject.
In addition, the timetable should have meaningful breaks in between. The pupils should take a break of about 15 to 20 minutes in order to keep one’s stress levels down and give the brain the opportunity to let all that information sink in.
Taking part in all class and school tests is also important when preparing for final examinations.
It is also important for our pupils to remove that fear and stress always associated with examinations and tests.
These are among the major factors that tend to become obstacles to scoring high grades.
One should remove all the fear and free their mind. It is beyond the pupils’ control to set a certain score to achieve.
This fact also needs to be understood by parents, who should not put undue pressure on their children, but rather boost their confidence. Moreover, pupils should be advised not to cram.
In other words, they should not force, press or squeeze into an insufficient space. They should instead make brief notes while studying.
Cramming everything can result in forgetting everything while making brief notes can help recall all points while revising the subject.
Besides, pupils must try their best to study in a place where they can properly concentrate; if possible it is a good idea to study early in the morning.
Further, good sleep and eating well is very important for candidates in examination classes.
The biggest mistake many candidates commit during the time of examination is that they don’t sleep and eat well; pupils think sleeping is a waste of time.
However, the fact is that they need to sleep between six and eight hours a day.
Pupils also need to take care of their diet; they need foods which continuously supply energy to their brains for a longer period of time. Some of the good foods include peanut butter, milk, apples, bananas and dark leafy green vegetables.
I am not in any way suggesting that we discard our staple food, nshima, as Zambians during the examinations.
Time is possibly the most important factor. According to research conducted by some scholars, the human brain is in its most active state between 05:00 hours to 08:00 hours in the morning and in the evening between 19:00 hours and 23:00 hours.
Therefore, pupils who study during these timings have the maximum retention power in comparison with others.
But do our children follow the timings mentioned?
Since they are busy watching movies and are on social media most of the time even during examinations they are already too tired to study during the hours mentioned
As I wind up, I should point out that it is important to advise our pupils never to cheat in the examination room.
There is no need to use any form of malpractice as it is very harmful both in the present and the future.
Our pupils should always trust in God and themselves by meditating and praying well before the examinations.
This really helps in relaxing their mind and at the same time providing the much needed energy and peace to the mind.
With proper preparations pupils are able to produce splendid results in the final examinations.
Wishing all those writing examinations in August and October all the best.
Don’t miss the column for next week.
Contact: timothy Kambilima@yahoo.com cell: 0973026897