Ask Sandra: No point revising for long hours. Study smart instead and PSLE Companion will show you how
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ST senior education correspondent Sandra Davie speaking at ST's PSLE Stress Management Workshop, an event under ST’s PSLE Companion series, on Jan 17.
ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
Explore the PSLE Companion microsite for more insights and tips.
Q: I am a subscriber to the PSLE Companion package and I found the workshop on stress management and goal setting for the PSLE very useful. While I agree that these basics such as stress management are important, I am wondering if parents can expect more specific advice on preparing our kids in the various subjects. Also, how about articles on revision and exam strategies?
A: First, I am glad that you have found the articles in the PSLE Companion and the workshop we ran on Jan 17
You asked about more specific help on preparing your child in the various subjects.
I am happy to say that the PSLE Companion team is already working on quite a few articles on preparing your child in the PSLE subjects, including mother tongue, science and maths.
In March, we will also be publishing articles on revision strategies that will help your child’s retention and recall of what he is learning.
This is important, as research shows that simply putting in more hours revising does not guarantee better results. Instead your children should be using strategies that maximise learning efficiency.
Take for example the article we ran on Learning English in a fun way
Research on different ways of revising has shown that active learning strategies, especially for children, significantly enhances their understanding and recall of the subject matter.
The shift from passive instruction to active learning (doing a project or playing a game) fundamentally changes how the brain processes and stores information
Research also shows that fun activities boost memory and recall. Activities such as quizzes require active recall, where the student must retrieve information and apply it in a new context, rather than simply recognising it. This effort strengthens the memory pathway.
To add, learning in a fun way acts as a natural stress-reliever. Experts we interviewed say fun activities create a “relaxed alertness” state, where learners feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and experiment without fear of failure.
But while we will be offering more articles and resources on tackling the different subjects, we will also be running articles on other factors which affects a student’s performance in the exams, such as handwriting and sleep.
Later this month, I hope you will read all about the importance of legible handwriting. It can actually cost students marks in the exams. But the good news is students can be helped to improve their handwriting.
Another piece to look out for - on the importance of having adequate sleep. Adequate sleep (seven to nine hours for 12-year-olds) is critical for exam performance as it directly impacts memory consolidation, cognitive function, and emotional regulation, allowing for better recall of information and improved problem-solving.
Keep sending in your questions, so that we can continue to make our offerings relevant to your needs.
