Lucknow Students Combat Exam Anxiety with Japanese 'Pointing and Calling' Method
As board examinations approach, students in Lucknow are grappling with a common yet frustrating issue: despite completing their syllabus and staying on track with revisions, crucial answers often seem to disappear during the high-pressure environment of the exam hall. To tackle this challenge, a growing number of class 10 and 12 students are turning to an unconventional Japanese study technique known as 'Pointing and Calling'.
What is the 'Pointing and Calling' Technique?
This method involves learners physically pointing at the text they are studying while reading it aloud. Students report that this simple practice helps keep the brain alert and prevents passive reading, which is a common pitfall during long study sessions.
Student Experiences with the Method
Atharva Jaiswal, a class 10 student, shared his positive experience: "During silent study, I felt confident, but in the exam hall my mind would suddenly go blank. When I started pointing at the text and saying it aloud, my concentration improved significantly. It feels like my brain is actively registering every word, and recalling answers during tests has become much easier."
The technique has proven particularly effective for theory-heavy subjects. Avitanshi Tiwari, a class 12 student, explained: "In history and civics, remembering dates and events in order was always difficult. Now, when I speak the headings and key points aloud, the answers automatically come in sequence while writing, which saves time and reduces stress."
Even in mathematics and science, students are noticing benefits. Anshika Singh, another class 10 student, said: "Earlier, I rushed through numericals and made careless mistakes. Saying the given values and formulas aloud slows me down and makes me more careful. I feel more confident about each step before moving ahead."
Scientific Backing from Education Experts
Educationists in Lucknow affirm that the 'Pointing and Calling' method is grounded in sound scientific principles. Educationist RP Singh elaborated: "It activates multiple areas of the brain simultaneously. When students integrate speech, vision, and movement, learning becomes deeper and more stable. This approach not only enhances recall but also helps alleviate exam anxiety."
Teacher Shalini Nigam added: "Board examinations test not just knowledge, but the ability to recall information under pressure. Techniques like 'Pointing and Calling' train the mind to remain present and organized. By consciously acknowledging what they study, students build stronger memory connections."
Why This Technique Works for Exam Preparation
The effectiveness of 'Pointing and Calling' can be attributed to several key factors:
- Enhanced Engagement: Combining physical action with verbalization forces the brain to process information more actively.
- Improved Focus: The method reduces distractions by anchoring attention to the specific text being studied.
- Better Memory Retention: Multisensory input creates stronger neural pathways, making recall easier during exams.
- Reduced Anxiety: The structured approach provides a sense of control, which can lower stress levels.
As board exam season intensifies, Lucknow's students are embracing this innovative technique to transform their study habits and boost their performance. The 'Pointing and Calling' method offers a practical, evidence-based strategy to overcome common exam hurdles, proving that sometimes the simplest solutions can yield the most significant results.
