7 best strategies to support your child through board exam preparation
Preparing for Entrance or board exams can be a challenging and stressful time for students. As a parent, you play a crucial role in supporting your child during this period to help them perform their best. Here are some tips on how to support your child through board exam preparation:
Create a conducive study environment:
Provide a quiet and well-lit study space for your child at home. Make sure that they have easy access to all the essential materials they need, including textbooks, notebooks, and stationery. Minimise distractions and help your child stay focused during their study sessions.
Set a study schedule:
Help your child create a study schedule that outlines their study time, breaks, and leisure activities. Encourage them to stick to the schedule and be flexible when needed. A well-structured study routine can help your child manage their time effectively and reduce exam-related stress.
Provide emotional support:
Board exams can be emotionally taxing for students. Be there to listen and understand your child’s concerns and fears. Offer words of encouragement, motivation, and reassurance. Support them in effectively coping with stress and anxiety by providing guidance on relaxation techniques, physical activities, or other healthy coping strategies.
Encourage healthy habits:
Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep are essential for your child’s physical and mental well-being. Encourage them to eat healthy meals, engage in physical activities, and get enough sleep during their exam preparation period. Healthy habits can boost their energy levels and help them stay focused and alert.
Offer academic support:
If your child needs help with specific subjects or topics, offer academic support. You can assist them with homework, review their notes, or hire a tutor if needed. However, avoid pressuring your child or taking over their study entirely, as it may hamper their confidence and independence.
Celebrate achievements and milestones:
Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s achievements and milestones during their exam preparation, such as completing a difficult chapter or scoring well in a practice test. Positive reinforcement can amplify their self-assurance and drive, propelling them to persist in their diligent efforts.
Stay positive and be patient:
Board exams can be stressful, and your child may experience ups and downs during their preparation. Stay positive and be patient with them. Avoid criticism or negative comments, and instead, provide constructive feedback and encouragement. Remind them that exams are not the only measure of success in life and that their best effort is what matters the most.
It’s important to keep in mind that every child is an individual, with their own unique personality, needs, and preferences. What may be effective for one child may not necessarily be the best approach for another. Your support is based on your child’s individual needs and personality. Providing a supportive and nurturing environment can go a long way in helping your child navigate through the challenges of board exam preparation with confidence and success.
Board exams in India
Board exams in India are examinations conducted by various educational boards, such as CBSE and ICSE, at the end of secondary education (typically 10th or 12th grade). They are crucial for students as they determine their academic performance and future opportunities. These exams are highly competitive, covering subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and optional subjects. Results are published online and play a significant role in eligibility for higher education programs. Board exams are challenging and stressful, but also an opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge and skills.
State Board
State Boards in India are unique to each state, with separate syllabus and ranking criteria. They have their own educational strategies, resulting in variation in curriculum across states. State Boards focus on state-level subjects, local material, and heritage, preparing students for state-level entrance exams. Some boards have recently mandated the use of NCERT books to prepare students for pan-India exams
CBSE (central board of Secondary Education)
CBSE, or the Central Board of Secondary Education, is a renowned and highly respected educational board in India, known for its prominent role in shaping the educational landscape of the nation. Known for its conventional teaching structures, CBSE is followed by private and public schools across the country. CBSE conducts exams for private and regular students, including those pursuing distance learning. After grade 10, CBSE offers a variety of subjects in science, commerce, and humanities. Upon graduating from class 12, students can apply to multiple universities for higher education.
ICSE
The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) is an innovative educational board in India that is rooted in practical application and designed to reflect the principles and fundamentals of theories. It is a private school board that conducts basic education analysis through the English medium, in compliance with the suggestions of the New Education Policy 1986. Applicants must study six subjects with one to three papers per subject, totaling eight to eleven papers. The ICSE exams select the most suitable five out of six subjects, with English being mandatory and marked comprehensively.
CISCE
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations is a prestigious private national education board in India. It governs the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) for Class 10 and the Indian School Certificate (ISC) for Class 12. With over 2,100 affiliated schools in India and abroad, CISCE conducts annual examinations for regular students in February and March. The ICSE syllabus offers a balanced curriculum with equal emphasis on science, humanities, and language courses, particularly English, allowing students to choose different streams/subjects for Class 12.
National Institute of open Schooling (NIOS)
The National Open Schooling Institute (NIOS) aims to provide versatile and free education to all students in India. As a student-friendly education board, NIOS is child-centric, empowering students to make choices in their learning journey. It conducts secondary and post-secondary exams comparable to CBSE and CISCE, and offers college education after secondary school. With nearly 3,50,000 annual enrolments, NIOS is one of the largest open school facilities in the country, conducting panel reviews in March/April and September/October.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a prestigious non-profit organisation providing top-tier academic programs for students aged 3 to 19 in India and 144 countries worldwide. The IB offers the Primary Years Program (PYP) for Kindergarten to Class 5, Middle Years Program (MYP) for Class 6 to Class 10, and Diploma Program (DP) for Class 11 and Class 12. Known for its integrated approach to learning, IB allows students to apply to universities abroad without additional exams, making it a preferred choice for globally-minded parents and students.
Cambridge International Examination (CIE)
With a rich history dating back to 1858, Cambridge International Examination (CIE) is a globally recognized provider of international credentials, offering exams and certificates in over 150 countries. CIE’s credentials are widely accepted by renowned institutions, including prestigious universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and the Ivy League in the US. With a strong presence across multiple continents, CIE is a preferred choice for education in countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, among others.
