Preparing for exams: Expert tips to avoid staying up late and using gadgets
As the exam season approaches, students and parents increasingly need to know effective and scientific methods for managing their time and effort. In this context, the concept of exam preparation as a cornerstone for ensuring the best academic results and avoiding the psychological and physical stress that can negatively impact students' academic performance. In this regard, social worker Jaafar Al-Eid urged families and schools to adopt sound, scientific strategies to prepare students psychologically and academically for exams, emphasizing the importance of organization in overcoming the challenges of returning from the school break and gradually and effectively restoring mental focus.
Al-Eid explained that restoring students' mental focus doesn't happen overnight, but requires a gradual and flexible return to their usual study routine. He indicated that the first step towards proper preparation begins with resetting biological clocks by regulating sleep patterns and consistently waking up early, which contributes to improving students' mental and physical performance during exam periods.
The importance of test preparation in the digital age
Historically, exam periods were associated with complete quiet and traditional paper-based studying. However, the current digital age has presented new challenges, most notably the widespread use of smart devices and social media platforms. These digital distractions are now directly impacting students' learning abilities, diverting their attention, and alarmingly disrupting their sleep patterns.
Therefore, the social worker strongly warned against technological distractions that hinder concentration, calling for minimizing the use of smart devices and social media platforms during this critical period. He emphasized the importance of providing a calm and organized study environment at home to ensure students' mental stability and give them ample space for deep focus, free from sources of anxiety and digital distractions.
Practical strategies for organizing study time and effort
Al-Eid added that preparing a clear daily revision plan, based on dividing the material and prioritizing tasks, directly contributes to increasing the learner's comprehension efficiency. He pointed out the necessity of starting with the scientific subjects that require more mental effort and time, to ensure their efficient completion before experiencing exhaustion and physical fatigue.
Regarding effective time management, Al-Eid suggested dividing study periods to avoid mental fatigue and maintain peak levels of activity and comprehension. He pointed to the effectiveness of scheduled study sessions, which involve focused studying for 40 to 45 minutes, followed by a short 10-minute break to refresh both mentally and physically.
Integration between family and school and the expected impact
On a psychological and social level, Al-Eid revealed that successful management of anxiety and stress is a crucial factor in achieving academic excellence and avoiding the academic difficulties that some students may experience as a result of excessive psychological pressure. He believes that the culture surrounding exams must change so that they are understood as a genuine opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge students have acquired throughout the semester, rather than as a source of constant fear and threat.
He emphasized the crucial role of the family and school in providing a comprehensive psychological and moral support system to help students navigate this period safely. He urged parents and teachers to establish open and positive dialogue with their children, listen to their concerns, and avoid using threatening language or exerting excessive psychological pressure, as this will have a significant positive impact on the quality of education and its outcomes, both locally and regionally.
The social worker concluded his remarks by explaining the behavioral indicators that reflect the student's readiness, saying: "True readiness is manifested in the student's feeling of reassurance, refraining from procrastination, and adhering to revision plans regularly, calmly, and with high self-confidence," stressing that this integration is the best way to build a promising generation capable of facing future challenges efficiently and competently.
