First person: Tuitions are not always best

In an interview with Manav Mander, Dr Vandana Kanwar & Prof Gurupdesh Kaur of PAU shared their views on how parents can support their children in balancing academics and personal well-being

As children progress from lower to higher classes in school, parents often find themselves worried about their child’s commitment to studies. With the transition from primary to elementary and senior classes, many parents feel they lose control over how their child is studying and how much effort they are putting in.

Most parents feel incapable of teaching their children effectively at higher grade levels, and in dual-income families, there is often a shortage of time to invest personally in their child’s education. To make up for this, parents frequently enroll their children in various tuition or coaching classes. Although this may provide a sense of satisfaction or guilt relief, it doesn’t always lead to the desired results.

The child often gets trapped in a vicious cycle of moving from school to coaching class and then back home, where they are expected to complete homework and assignments from both school and tutoring sessions.

How to study for your exams

• It is advisable for children to begin with easier questions to build confidence and reduce anxiety during the examination.
• Practicing with previous years’ question papers in a timed setting can help familiarise the child with the exam format.
• Additionally, discussing the subject with friends before the exam can cause unnecessary stress and hinder performance.
• Parents should encourage children to start studying well in advance.
• Revising the paper in the last 15 minutes is a must to ensure no mistakes are overlooked.
• After the exam, parents should avoid asking too many questions to the child, instead they should encourage them to focus on preparing for the next exam.

As parents, it is important to avoid creating an environment where children no longer respond to us, making our concerns seem like they fall on deaf ears. Therefore, it is necessary to involve children in the process of creating their own schedules, ensuring they get time to pursue their favourite activities along with their studies. Boundaries need to be set for study time as well as for entertainment, like watching TV, hanging out with friends, or playing games.

When creating a study environment, it’s important to choose a place in the house free from distractions like loud music or TV. The study area should be well-lit, well-ventilated, and comfortable, but not too cosy to induce sleepiness. For example, an eighth-grade child needs about 2-3 hours of study time per day. However, study sessions should not exceed 90 minutes without a break, and children should be encouraged to study even if no homework is assigned. The schedule should be flexible, allowing the child to adjust based on the times they feel most alert. It is helpful to discuss the schedule with the child and let them choose study and play times, especially on weekends.

Maintaining study materials is also important. Children should learn to keep their books and notebooks neat and organised. Though this may be difficult initially, consistency and discipline will help them develop good habits.

For academic support, children can seek information from teachers, classmates, seniors, the library, or even online resources. It’s also essential to address any fear of exams. If a child feels weak in a particular subject, they may avoid studying it altogether. In such cases, parents should encourage the child to start with subjects they enjoy, boosting their confidence before tackling other, more challenging subjects.

During the exam itself, children should focus on reading the instructions and questions carefully. If unsure about something, they should ask the invigilator for clarification before starting the exam.

Revising the paper in the last 15 minutes is a must to ensure no mistakes are overlooked. Rushing through the paper can lead to poor attempts, so it’s essential to manage time wisely. Additionally, discussing the subject with friends before the exam can cause unnecessary stress and hinder performance.

After the exam, parents should avoid asking too many questions about the child’s performance. It’s better to welcome the child with a smile and love, encouraging them to focus on preparing for the next exam. By maintaining a healthy balance between study and relaxation, parents can help their children thrive academically and emotionally.