Let's face it.
The job market is getting tougher every day.
Computerization is making many jobs redundant.
The Internet and modern telecommunications have allowed companies to outsource jobs to third-world countries where wage costs are much lower.
In fact thousands of jobs have already been shed in the United Kingdom as several major banks have outsourced their call center operations to the Indian subcontinent.
Other companies are following suit, sending their back- office and Information Technology jobs the same way.
This is a major trend that's only going to accelerate.
Have you ever wondered how your kids will get on when it's time to look for a job?
With the population increasing and with more people competing for fewer jobs, companies can now pick and choose from the very best applicants.
But wait a moment....
What do we mean by "the best"?
Whether you like it or not, "best" generally means the best qualified.
Employers, of course, have always used academic qualifications to shortlist job applicants for the interview stage.
But what is emerging now is a reliance on exam results for even seemingly ordinary jobs.
For example, did you know that the average call center employee in India is educated to degree level?
Qualifications are becoming more important than ever before.
And while not everyone is a natural-born exam prodigy, there are steps parents can take to help their kids gain better exam passes.
Here are 5 tips to get you started:
#1. Make learning enjoyable
We all do things better when we enjoy them, so bring out the joy of learning for its own sake.
One way to achieve this is by having family discussions about exam-related topics. Try to inject some drama (or at least some interest!) into the topic.
Another way is to embrace different technologies outside of the classroom. The Internet, multimedia CD-ROMs, and TV services like The Discovery Channel all help to liven up learning.
#2. Develop problem-solving skills
Practicing mental activities like quizzes and crossword puzzles helps nurture the intellectual problem-solving part of the brain.
It also develops other important skills like concentration and creativity.
So get your kids into the habit of solving problems every day.
Their exam skills will develop naturally, plus they'll be able to solve problems more easily in the real world outside of the exam hall.
#3. Encourage the study habit
Who hasn't tried to cram themselves full of information the night before an important exam?
Unfortunately, that's doing it the hard way.
"A little, often" works much better.
Ensure your kids set aside at least 20 minutes a day for peaceful study. Every day.
After a few sessions of enjoyable learning, you'll find they actually look forward to their study period.
#4. Learn exam technique
Studying for exams includes studying exams.
Get hold of some past examination papers - you can buy these cheaply in most bookstores - and have your kids study the questions.
Exams have a consistent formula, and once you know the formula, you're halfway to success.
Familiarity also instills confidence - an important quality when it comes to facing a real exam situation.
#5. Pay for performance
If all else fails, or your kids are having trouble getting motivated towards a forthcoming exam, try offering them an "incentive".
(Well they have to learn about "performance-related pay" someday.)
You'd be surprised how a little motivation can improve exam results!
Whichever way you do it, try to help your kids get the best grades they can.
"Qualifications doth not a person make."
But they certainly help when it's time to earn a living.
About The Author
Murdo Macleod is a software developer and co-author of the 'Fun With Figures' mental math course.
'Fun With Figures' shows anyone how to gain an unfair advantage in math. Visit the website today and find out what they didn't teach you in school.
Lincoln Town Car rentals Milwaukee .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareHow do we deal with our seriously distressed children and... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comLegacy to Your ChildrenIt's 6:30... Read More
At first I thought of titling this article "The Lazy... Read More
Let's be honest! When it comes to parenting, men expect... Read More
Family meetings provide opportunities for feelings to be aired and... Read More
Strattera came out around January of 2003, and is becoming... Read More
Voices have a way of falling into a pattern, not... Read More
Most parents can hardly wait for their baby to say... Read More
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children... Read More
Using 14 "at" Flashcards To Teach Reading:This exercise helps your... Read More
An apology is a sign of strength, not weakness. Sometimes... Read More
As parents, we want our children and teens to grow... Read More
Well first off, please to don't institute the ? hour... Read More
Having been a parent educator and a PBS consultant for... Read More
Your Virgo Baby..August 23 - September 22Virgo children are honest... Read More
Learning responsibility is an ever widening and lifelong process.As thinking,... Read More
Here we will come to know who are the most... Read More
I have always found the notion of toilet training a... Read More
Q. I need your help with a question about my... Read More
We want our children to do the right thing, especially... Read More
1 "Law of Belonging": The greatest need of teenagers (after... Read More
When a couple steps forth with a baby in tow... Read More
Have you ever wondered why toys for babies tend to... Read More
There are a lot of sophisticated parenting theories and techniques... Read More
(Excerpted from Jim Rohn's 2004 Weekend Leadership Event)You have to... Read More
travel from Midway Detroit ..I have always been aware of my number one weakness:... Read More
Many children who suffer from the psychological effects of child... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
Are your children truthful, kind, and helpful? If so, read... Read More
There's a new trend for party entertainment. It seems as... Read More
Researched through personal experience!Budget Your Money. Even if you are... Read More
One of the few decisions you'll make during pregnancy that... Read More
There is nothing quite like hiking with small children. The... Read More
Q. We are getting to the stage with our kids... Read More
I used to have a really challenging job. It was... Read More
Vacations and trips are great family events, but how do... Read More
"Becoming a parent can make you a better worker," New... Read More
"Just turn the lights off and go to sleep"Do you... Read More
Libraries offer more than books. They are places of learning... Read More
Parents of hyperactive children know the "Would you please just... Read More
Many parenting books advise against eating out with young children.... Read More
I WAS AMAZEDI could hardly believe what I was hearing.... Read More
Time management is an organisational concept traditionally associated with adults... Read More
Managing money is one of the most critical skills we... Read More
Although many children are picky eaters at some stage in... Read More
'How can I start getting my children to help out... Read More
Not so long ago a dad-to-be would pace up and... Read More
What parents of a teen haven't wondered where their sweet... Read More
Do you struggle to get your child to bed at... Read More
Tripping over the shoes and toys that seem to clutter... Read More
Parenting |