Tips for students to stay motivated during these uncertain times

MISSION EXAMINATION

Tips for students to stay motivated during these uncertain times

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

29.04.2021 

Today’s generation needs to equip itself with multiple skill sets and interest sets as that is the key to preparing for the future, said Anil Srinivasan at the twopart Facebook Live webinar Mission Examination held on Wednesday, an initiative by The Times of India and presented by Amrita School of Engineering, Chennai.

The Kalaimamani award winner and pianist, who was part of the first session on helping students of class 10, 11 and 12 stay motivated and focused in these uncertain times, also advised students to look for short term online courses to upskill. “Try this three-step formula -- create an information database; take short term courses that you are interested in; and pursue your passions.”

Education consultant Ruchi Mohunta said children need to start thinking about what they want to do when they are in class 9, then revisit their choices in class 11, and again when they are in college. “It is never too late to change your career,” she said. “Career guidance for children begins with conversations at home with parents.”

V Jayakumar, Chairperson, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amrita School of Engineering, said he believed there is no short cut to hard work. “Put a little extra effort each day. It will translate to so much more over the months and years. For instance, I wanted to improve my English vocabulary. Every day I learn ten new words.”

In the second session on ‘Clearing your mind and destressing during uncertain times’, health and education experts shared their views and clarified doubts of viewers on how to stay motivated while locked at home and the way forward in the education system.

Psychiatrist Dr Kannan Gireesh advised plus two students waiting to write their board exams to look for patterns of negative thoughts and seek help through parents, friends or helplines to release themselves of these thoughts while they prepare for exams. “Use the diary technique to write and release your thoughts, and use peer learning to prepare for exams,” he said.

For students preparing for both board and competitive exams, Balaji Sampath, director of Ahaguru said students should spend an hour and half for school homework and consistently spend three to four daily to prepare for competitive exams. “Three hours of daily preparation is enough to top all competitive exams,” he said.

With virtual classes becoming the only option for teaching school and colleges for the last one year, Prof Vinata Sai, chairperson, Department of science and humanities, Amrita School of Engineering, Chennai, said education institutions may adopt a blended learning where students will experience both online and face to face teaching. “The initial euphoria about online classes has died down. Today we understand we have to supplant online teaching with face to face teaching. Though online classes have become an integral part of teaching, a teacher cannot be replaced,” she said.