Question

article on need for counselling before board exams

Answer 1

While counsellors saw a rise in number of cases before the examination was set to begin, several children are coming for sessions even between examinations. This is an annual trend, according to experts.

The most common problem that students face is forgetfulness while writing their papers.
“This problem arises because they do not focus on the exam they are appearing for and think about the other papers lined up. When the opening exam does not go well, students feel nervous about the subsequent subjects and do not feel confident to appear for the exams,” said Dr Kushal Jain, consultant psychiatrist at Vidyasagar Institute for Mental Health, Neuro and Allied Sciences (VIMHANS).

The tip to remain composed throughout till the end of the board examination is to study one subject at a time. Most children reach the snapping point if parents pressure them to study more during this period. So it is important that parents are counselled as well.

“Students need to be constantly reassured that there is no pressure on them. Often parents and relatives pin their expectations on children. They feel tense that they would fail in meeting expectations This gives rise to anxiety disorders,” Dr Jain said.

The different types of disorders that students complain of during exams are sleeplessness, lack of concentration and confidence, giddiness before exams and loss of memory. In extreme cases, some children also lose consciousness before the exams, according to doctors.

“A majority of children coming for counselling are those appearing for the class 10 examinations. The rule is to be able to maintain composure throughout this period and not be upset over performance in a particular paper. Parents should not be worked up if children do not meet their expectations,” said Dr Arti Anand, clinical psychologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

How to cope
Anxiety disorders can be easily avoided if children maintain a routine before and during examination. Lack of sleep triggers anxiety disorders in most cases, said doctors.

Students should avoid discussing about their performance with their friends.

“Children have the tendency to stay up nights and sleep for a few hours during exams. Parents have to ensure that children sleep early and do not skip their meals,” said Dr Anand.

Answer 2

Career counseling remains an important aspect of life today. Especially in the life of students, it plays a vital role. Career is formed upon the picking of course. If the right course is not picked without any guidance it leads to unfavorable situations. Career guidance counseling helps in focusing on the right path of the career. It helps in better understanding of each course and what is suitable. It helps in overcoming the confusions and through the psychometric test, they can outline their weaknesses and strengths. Career counseling helps in establishing a report about the advantages and disadvantages of certain fields.