Smart students know the way

With the board exams fast approaching, they say that the concept of combined studies not only helps overcome the fear factor but also makes them understand where they stand subject-wise..

More than the actual experience, it is the fear for board exams that makes one feel the stress. Apparently, smart students have a different version!

With the board exams fast approaching, they say that the concept of combined studies not only helps overcome the fear factor but also makes them understand where they stand subject-wise compared to others.

Except a few, most students say combined study is particularly instrumental in easing the anxiety among slow learners.

“Group studies are helpful when you include below average students in the session. By drafting some tips and summarising subject-wise points, we can improve our performance too,” says Sampath Pattjoshi, a hostelite.

Since every student cannot excel in all subjects, group discussions aid in remembering tough topics much better. “For instance, since history is not my area of interest, I find it difficult to recollect different names and places. But, my understanding level enhances when I interact the same topic with my friends,” says Manish, Class X student.

However, for G. Lalitha, a young girl, the idea of combined studies is different. “It distracts me and induces a certain degree of inferiority complex when I discover that my friends are better than me. So, I generally prefer studying alone except during seminar sessions that form part of the academic curriculum,” she says.

Some of the classmates say that the length of time is prolonged when they study alone.

And that combined studies would help them discover beyond classrooms by shedding their inhibitions.

“Many are not comfortable getting their doubts clarified in an open forum. When you are in a comfort zone with friends, you can clarify any doubt without the fear of being laughed at,” explains Shalini Babu, a Class X student.

Studying together leads to better understanding of the subject, however, monitoring mechanism within the group is essential to keep the children on track as most girls end up discussing about fashion, food and school gossips while boys talk about hairstyle trends, sports and internet games, says Vaishali More, a parent-cum-teacher.