Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

09 October 2024

5-minute read

Matric, the all-inclusive year of stress!

Br Abdullah Ali, a computer science student and founder of his own tutoring academy, refers to the matric year and the matric exams as a “a ticking clock”. His passion is teaching students and getting matric students across the bridge from “I understand nothing” to “I’m feeling confident,” and he has witnessed personally the impact tuition can have on a student’s academic performance.

For every matric student, grade 12 is an overwhelming year with multiple subjects to focus on and the urgency of prelims and finals looming. Extra tuition is an essential additional tool to equip matric students and it can “provide a focused environment where students can receive individualized attention; something that is not always possible in larger classroom settings.” Tuition aims to explain fundamental concepts, teach problem-solving strategies, and implement these through practice. It helps students to develop effective study habits and reinforces content taught while setting a disciplined approach to learning. Tuition also provides a comfortable space for students to ask questions freely and address specific areas of need, since different people learn in different ways.

Because end of grade 11 marks can get a student provisional entrance into university, tuition early on can allow a student to accelerate their understanding of subjects, and give them enough practice in order to solidify that understanding. Unfortunately, there is a problem with the schooling system where the approach to learning is not always well-structured, and there is a sense of disconnect between students and teachers that widens the gap when learning. While it may seem that our schools are not doing enough, especially with regards to maths and science, a lot of understanding by students depends on the dedication of the teacher. On an emotional level, if a teacher does not connect with their students or have a good structured approach to learning, the student will find it difficult to learn. Another challenge facing students and teachers is AI as it takes the sense of responsibility away from the student.

“It’s never too late to learn something”, says Abdullah. While starting tuition early is effective, last-minute tuition can still be both feasible and effective. At this stage of late tuition, it is important to prioritise high-mark questions. A lot can be learnt in a short space of time, as long as the student is willing to learn.

Parents need to identify their kids’ academic performance as well as their study habits in order to assess areas where and if they need extra support. There is a gap where kids are often not taught how to study and how to structure a study timetable. Tutoring targets specific areas of need and different approaches should be taken with different learners in order for students to gain maximum benefit. But the buy-in has to come from the child themselves; not just from parents who have the money and push their kids to get tuition.

As far as mathematics is concerned, the negative mind-set towards maths is a deterrent. There has to be a balance between the child’s objectives and understanding the basic concepts of problem-solving strategies to improve critical thinking. Unfortunately, maths is used a barometer for intelligence, but Abdullah says that maths is a “skill that anyone can be taught in the right way, provided it is with the right approach”.

Support and motivation from parents are crucial for matriculants. To get through the exam period in the smoothest way possible, the most valuable thing parents can do is to stay involved in their child’s progress and workload, and to maintain communication with teachers and tutors. Ensure your child has a balanced schedule with a well-rounded routine of sleep, nutrition, hydration, exercise and relaxation to prevent burnout. Provide emotional support; be there to motivate and encourage your child. Understand that he or she requires a balance and learn not to interfere with the balance your child has set for him or herself. Have an open approach and a conversation around exams and studying. Feedback from the tutor is another essential. When a concept is taught in class but then misunderstood or not understood by the learner, it is important to go back and get the teacher to explain in a way the student can understand, or to go to the tutor and relearn the concept.

Abdullah shared some advice for learners struggling with exam stress and anxiety about results:

1. Understand and master fundamental concepts.
2. Bridge between concepts and questions.
3. Practice, practice, practice!
4. Time management – Have a well thought-out study routine with realistic goals and times for breaks, for family, to eat and to rest.
5. Reach out for support from a family member or a friend.

Students need to do certain things in order to attain a balance to maintain their physical and mental health through the exam period, and if these balancing acts are in place, students have a good chance of getting through the exam period with minimal amounts of stress. And finally, the benefits of dua and praying tahajjud salaah in order to reduce stress levels cannot be overstated.

Listen to the full interview with Faaiza Munshi on New Horizons.