Chocolate sweetener can beat exam stress

Published on Saturday 5 September 2009 19:54

THIS will go down well with children across the country. Some schools are offering pupils chocolate and access to relaxation rooms to reduce exam stress, academics told an education conference yesterday.

But exam relaxation techniques in general are still "hit and miss", according to researchers at Edge Hill and Manchester universities.

They argue that parents and teachers are putting the wrong kind of pressure on teenagers to succeed and this is having a detrimental effect.

The study, which was presented at the British Educational Research Association (BERA) conference in Manchester, analysed the link between teacher and parent behaviour and the anxiety levels of 175 sixth form students. The researchers also examined the stress levels of 224 GCSE pupils and compared them with their exam results.

The study found that higher anxiety usually leads to lower scores.

But some schools are rectifying this by attempting to ease exam nerves.

Lead researcher Dr Dave Putwain said: "I know of one school that gives anxious children chocolate and a pat on the head immediately before an exam.

"Pupils at another school I have visited can spend some time in a relaxation room that has soft lighting, comfortable furniture and soothing sounds."

The researchers argue that teachers need to alter the messages they give out.

"What we've found is that a level of physiological stress is promoted by teaching practices that focus on fear of failure and parental pressure," Dr Putwain said.

Research showed relaxation exercises can help pupils if they are offered far enough ahead of exams, he added.

"In general, the stress-reducing tactics that schools employ are very hit and miss. I don't think there is much understanding that many teachers could reduce their pupils' anxiety levels by adjusting their own practice. They might improve their pupils' performance in the process."