A helpline for India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) students in the UAE is being flooded with crisis calls from students taking the ongoing board examinations. M. Abubaker, Principal of the Scholars Indian School, Ras Al Khaimah, who has been assigned the counselling task for the UAE, tells what the main concerns are.
You must be very busy with Class XII board exams going on?
Yes, the last exam is on April 17. I receive numerous calls [050-579 4542] from students and parents who have last-minute doubts and fears.
What are their main fears?
Parents are anxious and students are nervous about their performance. Parents push their children to get higher marks and the students feel invariably pressured. The main issue is with the exam preparation. Most students rely on guide books which can misguide them.
How can that be corrected?
I have reiterated many times that students should be thorough with textbooks prescribed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). That is more than enough. But the problem is they depend on simplistic answer guides and they can be very misleading.
What are the other issues?
Students call for various reasons: because they have not understood a concept or they need help to manage study time or they are unable to get the right information from their school or friends. There are also many who call in with personal problems.
How do you deal with personal issues?
I listen to the problem carefully and extend psychological and moral support. Exam stress is quite natural and my counselling is aimed at helping them overcome it. Parents are also in the picture during such counselling.
What about post-examination fears?
Yes, a number of calls have to do with post-examination fears. Students call in to say a particular question paper was tough or they want to know how they can apply for a marks upgradation. It is my duty to collect whatever feedback I get and pass it on to the concerned officials in India or advise students of due procedures.
Do you also help with follow-ups?
Yes. The CBSE employs multiple modes of communication such as the phone helpline, question-answer columns in the media and online counselling through the CBSE website to reach out to students.
