Dear Madam,

I am presently in II PUC with PCMB. I always used to score 80 per cent in school. Ever since I have come to college, I don’t know what has happened. I have been failing in a couple of subjects in every test in I PUC, but in the final I passed with poor marks. I have always managed to get good marks in Biology, as I am interested. Since languages have stories I remember them well but I am not interested in Maths, Physics, Chemistry. I have developed a bad habit of reading the day before my exam. If I try to read before hand, I read very slowly and manage to read one page in 45 minutes. I have just finished my 2nd test this year and worked hard by reading some lessons before hand. I think I will fail again. My parents will definitely not sign my report card. They do not understand if I tell them anything. Why am I not able to do well even if I read well? What shall I say to my parents? Tell me some study techniques so that I don’t forget what I have learnt.
Srilatha

Dear Srilatha,
 In your question itself is the main reason for your poor performance in Physics, Chemistry and Maths and that is your lack of interest. Because you are not interested you are putting off your study to one day before the exam. And, when you study at the last minute, you study only to pass in an exam and not for knowledge and understanding of the subject. Here are some tips to help you to understand and develop an interest in your subjects:

Think of the rationale or reason for learning a particular topic apart from marks, for e.g. Electricity – How does knowledge of this topic help in everyday life? Does Electricity have anything to do with our ability to live etc. You will not find these questions in your book, but your mind should go beyond what is in the syllabus.
Look for some interesting facts and tit bits of knowledge around the topic.

Do not learn by rote. Try and make it interesting by drawing flowcharts, small diagrams and use colour pens. All of this will help you to concentrate.

It is apparent that you are doing your problems in Maths mechanically. Maths has to be reasoned out and analysed. Also Maths is a practice subject and you need to keep some time for it everyday.
Now to come to your parents:

Generally parents want the best for their children but they may not put this message across very well. In their anxiety and desperation with your poor marks, they may resort to not signing your report card thinking that this will motivate you to do better. This is not true – it only creates a distance between the parent and child leading to poor communication.

Parents should try to find out the reason for the poor performance and provide adequate support, thus keeping the doors of communication and love open. However on your part you should try and discuss your problems with them on an ongoing basis and build bridges of communication.
As for your high scoring in school and poor scoring in college, — I believe that the marks in school may not be a true indicator of one’s ability. Schools drill students to get high marks which does not happen in PUC. When you are on your own, your true ability will show up.

It is up to you now.
A poster reads – ‘Just because something is difficult doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. It means you should just try harder.’


Dear Madam,
I am a student of 1st PUC aspiring to excel in IIT for which I have joined a coaching institute in Bangalore. My problem is that in the 3 tests conducted so far I have scored hardly 20 per cent. I am depressed. In my 10th I scored 95.68 per cent, which was not what I expected – I was depressed after that result too. I have now lost my confidence. I wish to continue in the institute and excel in it. Please guide me on how best I can perform to score more marks.
Worried Student

Dear Worried Student,
First, lets begin with your tenth standard percentage, - if I had scored 95.68 per cent I would have been over the moon with joy. But no, - you have to be depressed as you expected much more. I am sure you grumbled about the examiners who corrected your papers, and in the process you did not thank God for your ability and everyone else who supported you through the learning process.

You not only need to focus on increasing your knowledge and skills but also in developing the right values and attitudes to help you succeed in life – marks are only a small stepping-stone.

Lets move on to your poor performance in your coaching institute. What are your coaches doing to help you to do better? The word ‘coach’ according to the Webster’s dictionary is ‘to train intensively, to take the student through his examination’. This means that once they have accepted you as a student they have a duty and a responsibility to train you.

Go to your coaches with your answer papers and ask them to explain the type of mistakes you have made and how you can overcome them. Do the given homework and mark out your doubts and clarifications and ask your coaches for answers. Generally, coaching institutes teach at a pace that not every student can cope with – it is for you to get the best out of the system. ‘Ask and you shall receive’.

Also, keep in mind that in your pursuit of excelling in the IIT Entrance test, you do not lose sight of your PUC examinations. There is no point in seeking entry into IIT and performing below par in your PUC. Please keep your priorities right.

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