In our previous article, we discussed how students can handle study stress by, first, breaking down the task, and then, understanding unknown fears. In this article, we share three more tips that can help students in their journey towards PSLE, O Level and A Level examinations.

Clarify Doubts Early

Similar to breaking down large chunks of content into manageable portions, students can reduce study stress by actively clarifying questions with teachers. Some students wait too long to clarify their doubts and find that the topic becomes out of reach after a while. Not knowing when to start asking the right questions contribute to study stress. Therefore, we strongly advise that students should eliminate doubts the moment they do not understand new topics or concepts. Ask immediately, don’t wait.

Some students hold back from asking because they fear that they will be asking a ‘stupid question’ and be laughed at. Nevertheless, very often, asking questions is the best way to gain new knowledge. It is the teacher’s responsibility to create a conducive learning environment for students to feel safe enough to ask any question.

Avoid Fixating on Exams

Another method to handle study stress is not to overly fixate on the importance of exams in one’s mind. Yes, exams are undoubtedly important in terms of opening doors to further educational and career opportunities. Nevertheless, counterintuitively, by fixating on their importance throughout every assignment, essay, or piece of work, stress is augmented without having helped one become more productive.

Thus, when studying, it will be more efficient to focus wholeheartedly on the task at hand, be it solving a math problem or writing an essay on a topic, without constantly bringing in thoughts such as “if I can’t do this, I will not do well on the exam”. Instead, by shifting the focus to simply wanting to learn the topic as well as possible, study stress will be greatly reduced. The exam results will take care of itself after that.

Take Study Breaks

Finally, regular, strategic study breaks are also key to handling study stress. For instance, the most effective study breaks are those which completely refresh one’s body and mind from studying. Thus, taking a short walk around the block while talking to a friend, or even watching short episodes of television shows relaxes one’s mind. Move around and stretch your limbs. We don’t recommend sitting in the same seat and scrolling through social media aimlessly. Immersing oneself briefly, perhaps for 10 minutes every 1 hour or so, in another setting, prevents study stress from accumulating by removing one’s mind from worrying about exam-related content.

All in all, while it may be impossible to avoid exams in Singapore, it is definitely possible to handle study stress well. By clarifying doubts, studying the content for its own sake, and taking effective study breaks, study stress can be better handled. Nothing reduces stress more effectively than being well-prepared. If your child needs good preparation for English exams in the PSLE, O Level and A Level, check out the English regular classes and Masterclasses conducted by Cognitus Academy.