Christine (not her real name) called me the other day and said that she was worried about her upcoming IB Maths and IB Economics exams. Unlike other countries where the exams have been cancelled due to the pandemic, she will still have to take the IB exams.
Christine is a student who I have been providing private tutoring and her prediction has shot up from 4 to 6 in IB Maths and 4 to 7 in IB Economics. Despite this, she confessed being overtaken by episodes of anxiety. A lot of us have been there: a shortness of breath, sweaty palms, uncontrollable fear and more.
I am an ardent football fan and I told this smart IB student that I too, suffer from anxiety before the derby. She accused me of being flippant and I explained that while my anxiety had no effect on the final outcome of the match, she was in a more fortunate position. She got even more confused. I elaborated further. She could take control of her situation and use that anxiety to her benefit. These are some of the things I told her:
Recognize that this is normal and you are neither the first nor the last person to be nervous before your IB exams. It is an indication from that you want to succeed – and there is nothing wrong with wanting to succeed.
Take control of your fear. Once you have identified this as a natural occurrence and that it is normal, you can begin to work on this. Channel that energy into something that drives you to success. Say to yourself: “I am going to use this energy – turn it into a driving force – and tackle the task at hand.” Imagine all doubts and negativity flowing out of your body and mind – only to be replaced by a sense of confidence.
Don’t worry about the results. We have no control over the final marks an IB examiner is going to give us, perhaps in some other country. What we do have absolute control over is how much we can prepare ourselves for the IB exam. By this, I am not suggesting that you study excessively until you burn out, but that you study more effectively. Take frequent breaks between lessons – go for a walk or a run, or do something that is fun. Give your mind some time to absorb what you have studied.
Study groups. What worked for some of my IB students were group lessons. A small study group has interesting dynamics. Knowing that you are not alone in your plight – does help in reassuring you. Knowing something that others are struggling with in your group, which you can explain to your peers, reinforces your belief in your own capabilities.
You see the exam paper and nothing makes sense! Again, it’s normal. Just remember that this was to be expected and that you have studied the subject before. Close your eyes and breathe deeply several times. Rub the back of your neck if it helps. Take one question at a time – starting from the one that seems the easiest and work yourself up from there. You will be surprised how, after that first hurdle, how easy it becomes.
In the end, we all find our own way to tackle anxiety and I am sure Christine will too.
IB exams and sweaty palms may go together, but there is always a way to dry those hands.
Sankalp Vaid