Summary
Highlights
The state exams begin on June 5th and run until June 25th. Two-thirds of young people experience worrying levels of stress. Ray Langan, a motivational speaker and exam anxiety therapist, discusses the current challenges. This year's students are the last cohort of 'Covid kids,' meaning many are sitting their first state exam. Social media significantly contributes to anxiety due to constant comparison and hype, with severe anxiety in teenagers doubling in the last decade.
Phones are major distractions. Ray notes that parents often contribute to the problem by over-managing their children's studies, turning the phone into an 'unbiblical cord.' He advises parents to step back and allow teens to take ownership of their exams, offering space for them to learn from mistakes. The constant competition with social media and entertainment makes it difficult for students to focus, highlighting the need for minimizing distractions.
Despite the short time frame, there is still time for effective study. Many students, especially boys, are 'just in time' studiers, meaning they can still achieve good results with focused effort. The next 12 days are crucial for getting organized and focused. Students should not feel it's too late to make a significant difference.
Teenagers often struggle with time management. Parents can help by assisting in creating a study timetable. Ray suggests breaking the remaining 10-12 days into three or four blocks and each day into two-hour 'time blocking' sessions. This structured approach helps make the most of the available study time.
Practicing past papers is still highly effective. Students should access resources like examinations.ie, review mock exam papers for feedback, and understand the layout, marks, and timing of each paper. Developing an exam strategy involves preparing effectively, knowing the night before the exam, and having a clear approach for each paper, including what questions to prioritize.
Ray advocates for a '30-minute study sprint' — a method to intensely focus on a topic and complete it quickly. Identify 'hot topics' that are likely to appear on the exam, such as financial accounting in Leaving Cert Accounting, which accounts for 30% of the paper. A critical rule for effective study is to 'ditch the phone, get into the zone,' removing all distractions to maximize focus.
Active learning is more effective than passive learning. This involves physically doing something with information, like pacing around or using a whiteboard. Retrieval practice, where students actively recall information, is the best study technique. Strategic preparation also includes understanding exam timing to avoid leaving questions unanswered or finishing early, ensuring every mark is contested. For anxiety, students should practice regulation techniques like deep breathing and remind themselves, 'I'm calm and confident under pressure.'
Parents should acknowledge their efforts and the challenging nature of supporting teens through exams. It's important for parents to stay calm, as calm is contagious. Trusting teens and reminding them that the Leaving Cert, while a milestone, does not define their entire future is essential. Ray emphasizes recognizing the significant achievement of reaching this stage, especially for students who have had a disrupted secondary school experience.