Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

23 October 2024

4-minute read

Yes, it’s that time of the year again, the dreaded final exams. In most households, focus is on the kids, whether in primary or high school, and even those sitting for university exams. But in some homes, parents are busy studying towards their own degrees and diplomas alongside their children. Finding techniques to assist both parents and children can go a long way in ensuring successful results for all members of the family.

In an interview with Maryam Tiladia, a wife, a mother, and a lawyer who just completed her LLB degree and her attorney submission exams, and is currently studying further into conveyancing, she compares the period of exams to “juggling” in trying to find the balance between her own studies while simultaneously helping her children get through their exams. Maryam mentioned that stress is a part of life and as a parent, you have to learn to manage your own stress as well as the stress of your kids during the exam period. As adults who are studying; it is essential to stay positive by starting your day early by waking up for tahajjud and preparing months in advance. With her own child, Maryam has found that kids are very inclined to do as they see. An unproductive or stressed out parent leads to a stressed out child.

There are a number of study strategies to assist parents and kids when they’re studying:

1. Place importance of the remembrance of Allah in every situation. Get into the practice of durood as it brings “calmness to the heart and clarity to the mind.” Kids also need to understand that through the power of dua, they can attain a fruitful study session.
2. Adopt the correct mind-set to studying because attitude influences outcomes. Research has shown that a growth mind-set is linked to achievement more than a fixed mind-set. Positive thinking can get you through challenging study sessions and classes.
3. Focus on time management. Set an example as a parent by planning and prioritising your tasks in advance; starting early, and having a solid study schedule with an organized study space.
4. Transfer short term content into long term memory by repetition; re-write your notes in your own words; outline and highlight important sections; use memory tricks and mnemonics; make flashcards; re-state concepts in your own words; and finally re-summarise the work.
5. Understand the value of doing past papers as it makes you calmer, gives a brief understanding of what to expect in the exam paper, and prepares you to answer the question.
6. Work through the sections that are most difficult first and rebuild your confidence in subjects you are struggling with.
7. Relearn core concepts and work that you don’t understand.
8. Know the course expectations.
9. Create a study session with a peer. Research has shown that working within a study group is more relaxed and informal, gives you other perspectives on a subject, and makes your own mind flow and re-remember content that you’ve studied. There are online study groups you can access through UNISA and other university platforms and WhatsApp study groups you can join.

Blocking out time for specific activities allows you to focus on one task at a time or a specific question or section, prioritise challenging sections, limit distractions and eliminate procrastination. A study tool like the pomodoro timer trains a person to study for 25 minutes and break for 5 minutes in cycles of 4 to 6 periods, and then break for a longer 20 to 30-minutes after the last cycle. This method can be adapted to different age groups.

Another factor that cannot be overlooked when studying is the role of diet and nutrition. Maryam says that “a healthy well-balanced diet makes a huge difference to your immune system.” Avoid sugary foods because refined foods make a person tired, and the sugar rush cannot replace the energy found in natural foods like fruits, vegetables and nuts.

In terms of reward; once you’ve concluded a study session, allow your brain time to unwind. Relax, breathe, eat something, take a walk outside or take some leisure time.

Finally, structure your study sessions in a positive way, take time out for salaah and Quran, and trust in Allah’s plan. Connect with Allah in order to increase productivity and positivity.

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