Learn to stay calm amid exam pressure
In the quiet atmosphere of a late May evening, Nguyen Quoc Thien Nhan - a 9A1 student at Thong Nhat Secondary School (Hanoi) - is still diligently studying at his desk after dinner. On the desk are Math and Literature exam papers marked with notes. But unlike many students who are busy " sprinting", Nhan maintains a fairly light learning rhythm.
“Every night I study about two hours for Math and Literature. And English is my favorite subject, so I often study through books, newspapers and short videos to reduce stress,” Nhan said.
What makes this student different is not the number of study hours, but the fairly calm mentality before the 10th grade entrance exam - an exam considered the first important milestone for many students. "Parents do not create pressure, so I am not too worried. I think if I prepare carefully, I will be confident in doing the test" - Nhan said.
On peak days of exam preparation, it is not difficult to see images of 9th grade students with a tight schedule from morning to night. Dense outlines, long extra classes or late lights in many small rooms have become familiar images of the 10th grade exam season.
However, according to many teachers and parents, the biggest pressure for students sometimes does not come from homework but from anxiety and excessive expectations.
Ms. Hoang Ngoc Ha - a parent whose child is in 9th grade in Cau Giay ward (Hanoi) - believes that the most important thing at this time is to help her child reduce pressure.
Many parents today are also gradually changing their views, instead of focusing on grades or comparing with friends, they choose to accompany their children with listening and trust.
Family accompanies and encourages children according to their abilities. Children are now under a lot of pressure, so parents should not force them further. The most necessary thing is to take care of meals, sleep and create a comfortable atmosphere for children" - Ms. Ha shared.
Accompanying students
At Thong Nhat Secondary School (Hanoi), the review atmosphere is urgent but not too tense. Teachers both consolidate knowledge and try to keep students psychologically stable before the exam.
Ms. Tran Tra My - a Math teacher at the school said that students are currently reviewing according to each topic combined with practicing questions closely following the exam structure.
According to the female teacher, the important thing is not to study a lot but to study according to a plan and know how to allocate time reasonably. Besides, students need to pay attention to health and sleep. "Without good health and spirit, it is very difficult to do the test effectively. Students should not stay up too late because it is easy to get nervous and affect studying the next day" - Ms. Tra My advised.
According to Mr. Nguyen Quoc Duong - Principal of Thong Nhat Secondary School (Hanoi), the school has developed an early review plan, classified students' abilities to provide appropriate support, and at the same time strengthened exam preparation and supplemented core knowledge. However, the school's goal is not only to help students take the exam well.
More importantly, it helps students confidently enter their first exam. In addition to tutoring hours, the school also organizes psychological counseling sessions, meetings with homeroom teachers and close coordination with parents to encourage students.
A solid mentality will help students best develop their abilities in the exam room" - Mr. Duong emphasized.
The 10th grade high school entrance exam may be the first milestone with a lot of pressure, but it is also a time for students to learn how to grow up, calm down before challenges and understand that behind them there is always family and teachers accompanying them.
