Experts say Covid surge is a difficult time for students, give tips to bust stress
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Shiksha.com talks to CBSE Class 12 students to know about their state of mind and asks experts what they should do to stay calm and motivated during these trying times.
The Central Government postponed Class 12 examinations on April 14 in view of rising COVID-19 cases in the country.
Eighteen-year-old Aryaman Mohan used to study 11 hours a day for Class 12 boards and JEE. This has been his routine since March 2019.
The CBSE has not yet issued any official statement regarding the cancellation of the exams putting students like Aryaman in a state of confusion. On April 14, the Central Government postponed Class 12 examinations in view of rising COVID-19 cases in the country.
Aryaman says, “Earlier, the exams were supposed to be held in May. This further delay has affected my CBSE Class 12 preparation as our syllabus was finished by December-end and if we take exams in June or later, it will be difficult to recall what we studied previously. There is also a confusion over whether competitive exams will take place first or Class 12 boards.”
Harshpreet, another Class 12 student, says, “The government should either cancel the boards exams or conduct them online. I am preparing for CLAT and more worried about that.”
Echoing similar concerns, Riya Katoch says, “I am keeping my fingers crossed over the fate of CBSE Class 12 exams. Cancellation of exams will not prove beneficial for those who have worked hard throughout the year.”
Expert advice
Dr Niti Gupta, who teaches Psychology to Class 11 and 12 students at Government (Model) Senior Secondary School for Girls, Portmore, Shimla, says students have been suffering mentally due to the uncertainty of their future during the pandemic. The sudden shift to online classes has also been a cause for concern, but there is no substitute for classroom teaching. She shares some tips on how parents can help their children tide over the crisis.
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No doubt times are hard, keep the morale of your child up
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As a parent, provide support to children by spending quality time with them
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Allow children to express their thoughts
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Make sure they are eating well
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Focus on their mental health
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Encourage them to take breaks
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Engage them in activities such as reading, gardening, painting, etc
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Keep your ward motivated
Most importantly, focus on your child’s Emotional Intelligence. Prepare them to face uncertainty. Teach them ways to manage emotions, only then they will become valuable contributors to society.
Kamaldeep Modgill, who teaches Biology to Class 10 and 12 students at Bhavan Vidyalaya, Sector 27, Chandigarh, feels the postponement of Class 12 exams has added to the students’ stress. She says, “We send assignments, worksheets and school-related news via WhatsApp to students to ensure that their studies do not get affected. Digital learning is very isolating for children as they do not have their peers around them, so we at our school try to engage students in some or the other activity.”
She further says, “We encourage students to take breaks, eat fruits and snacks during classes. We also hold a session called ‘Fruit bowl pe charcha’ during which students are encouraged to eat healthy. Also, we are planning to teach students how to use BP operator and pulse oximeter and how to wipe thermometer. We also send personal birthday messages from principal to students to keep them motivated and to reduce their stress levels.”
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