Dr. Asim Abdel Majid Hegazi, a professor of educational psychology at Cairo University, has shed light on the significant pressures and challenges that Egyptian high school students, known as Baccalaureate students, encounter. These pressures can impact their academic performance and overall well-being. According to Dr. Hegazi, one of the primary challenges is the uncertainty and confusion students face when choosing their academic path. This decision is both early and crucial, and students may feel overwhelmed by the numerous available specializations.
Another significant challenge is adapting to a new educational system, which can be daunting due to a lack of clear and consistent information. Students also experience pressure from continuous evaluation, as they are required to achieve 60% of their weekly and monthly performance targets to qualify for the first exam opportunity. Effective time management and coping with the accumulation of tasks, projects, and assessments while preparing for exams, require careful planning and self-organization. This can be particularly difficult for students who rely on last-minute intensive studying.
The influence of family and social comparisons also plays a substantial role in adding to the pressure on Baccalaureate students. The culture of competition and the expectations of family members can perpetuate stress. Additionally, financial pressures, such as the cost of optional trial exams, which is 200 Egyptian pounds per subject, can further burden students who wish to improve their scores in multiple subjects. The multiple exam opportunities, while offering flexibility, can create indecision about whether to settle for a current grade or retake an exam.
Students also face pressure from the culture of continuous improvement, where some feel compelled to retake exams to achieve higher grades, rather than accepting their current performance. The dual nature of the exams, which includes both multiple-choice and essay questions, demands a range of skills, from recall and analysis to expression and formulation. Moreover, the fear of an unstable educational system in its initial years can cause anxiety among students, teachers, and families.
Concerns about future academic and career paths can also weigh heavily on students' minds, as they may lack sufficient information about how their current choices will align with university specializations. The reliance on private tutoring and the inconsistency of educational sources can add to the confusion. Dr. Hegazi emphasizes that understanding the Baccalaureate system clearly, including its evaluation methods, timelines, and required materials, is crucial for reducing uncertainty.
To mitigate these pressures, Dr. Hegazi recommends adopting an organized learning approach rather than last-minute cramming. This involves daily and weekly planning to prioritize study sessions and assess progress against realistic goals. Developing learning skills, such as comprehension, analysis, and application, and practicing diverse question types can also help. Effective management of academic anxiety is vital, and techniques such as task segmentation, controlled breathing, and focusing on daily achievements can help.
Changing the family's role from exerting pressure to offering support is also essential. Parents should inquire about what their children have learned rather than their grades, and encourage them without making comparisons. Utilizing multiple exam opportunities wisely, maintaining physical and mental health, and limiting exposure to social media comparisons can further alleviate stress. Schools can provide essential support through counseling sessions and helping students manage their time and anxiety.
Key points
- Dr. Asim Abdel Majid Hegazi highlights the importance of understanding the Baccalaureate system and adopting organized learning strategies.
- Effective time management and coping with continuous evaluation are significant challenges for Baccalaureate students.
- Changing family dynamics and providing psychological support within schools are crucial for helping students manage pressure.
