As families and students turn their attention to the examination halls, Dr. Mohammed Bakr Saleh Qandieh, a consultant in family and community medicine, confirmed in special statements to Al-Youm newspaper that success in this crucial stage does not depend exclusively on the amount of information memorized, but is closely linked to psychological stability and smart tactics in dealing with the question paper.
The psychological and educational context of the tests
Historically, school and university exams have been the standard measurement tool in educational systems worldwide for assessing learning outcomes. However, recent educational studies indicate that "test anxiety" has become a global phenomenon affecting a wide segment of students, potentially leading to a temporary "mental shutdown" despite thorough preparation. This underscores the importance of medical and educational advice that focuses on managing emotions and stress as an integral part of the learning process. Excellence is no longer simply about memorizing information, but rather about the intelligent management of mental and psychological resources.
Start with easy questions strategy
Dr. Qandeh explained that the first moments upon receiving the exam paper are the most critical, as adrenaline and stress levels surge. He advised students to adopt the "start with the easy" strategy, explaining that answering the easier questions first provides an immediate boost of self-confidence and breaks down the barrier of apprehension, allowing the brain to relax and retrieve more complex information later. This method also ensures time savings and guaranteed marks, rather than wasting time and mental energy thinking about difficult questions that could lead to early frustration.
Lifestyle and its biological impact
In the context of home preparation, the consultant strongly warned against the widespread phenomenon of students staying up late during this period. He pointed out that the human brain needs sleep to consolidate information in long-term memory. Excessive late nights and reliance on stimulants like coffee and energy drinks lead to counterproductive results, including distraction and poor concentration in the classroom. He emphasized the importance of a balanced diet and a healthy breakfast to ensure the brain has the energy it needs to function efficiently.
The pivotal role of the family and society
The impact of exams extends beyond the student to their family environment. Dr. Qandeh emphasized that preparing students psychologically is a shared responsibility; the home should be a haven of calm and support, free from threats or comparisons to others that only increase stress. Boosting students' self-confidence and training them in deep breathing techniques and calmly handling stressful situations are essential life skills that go far beyond the exam paper itself, contributing to the development of a well-rounded personality capable of facing future challenges.
He concluded by emphasizing that the test is a means of evaluation and not the end goal, and that calmness and psychological balance are the true gateway to investing study effort and turning it into tangible success.
