Saudi Gazette A decade ago, students dreadfully walked into examination halls. Teachers and supervisors with stern expressions strictly greeted them, silently sending warnings against cheating or talking. In most schools, uttering a word or asking a question related to the test was also not allowed. Both government and private schools have come a long way and have radically changed their approach to exams. Educators are aware of the psychological burden and tremendous pressure that exams place on students; so to release them of the tension educators have come up with an interesting idea - distribute chocolates and sweets before handing over the question papers. Director of Education in Dammam, Muhammad Al-Omari told Al-Watan daily, “Most schools in the region took the initiative to psychologically prepare students and remove the fear and tension related to exams. Exams should not be viewed as a dreadful ordeal but as a chance for the student to demonstrate his/her knowledge of the subject. Distributing sweets has many psychological benefits such as cheering up students and lifting their spirits. Sugar and cocoa in chocolate provides a good source of energy for the brain and improves memory.” In the Eastern Province, students were surprised to be greeted by smiling teachers in the morning, who held baskets of chocolates, and motivated them with words of encouragement. Some teachers even spoke to students about the upcoming exam and cleared their doubts, too. Just a few years from now this would have been surely unthinkable. A high school principal in Dammam said that these simple efforts allow the students to relax and help break the barrier of fear surrounding exams. Another school in the Eastern Province went as far as providing a comfortable resting area for students to sit down and relax if they arrive early in the morning, or between intervals of two exams, or while waiting for their buses/cars to go home. A school in west Dammam opened a well-equipped gym for students to exercise and release their stress after sitting through a difficult exam. Al- Omari further added, “The General Directorate of Education in the Eastern Province has urged every school principle in the region to instruct teachers to boost students' morale before they enter the exam room. We do not want a single student to walk into the exam room feeling nervous and panicky. Such feelings are actually counterproductive and can interfere with their performance in answering exam questions.” These positive measures are also being adopted by other schools in the Eastern Province. “All schools in Al-Ahsa have worked hard to make this time students a little less stressful. We are trying to change the perception of the school exam into an enjoyable task. Simple prizes are awarded to students who participate in physical activities after completion of the exam because physical exercise is very effective in combating stress and tension. Several schools are also serving cold beverages, tea, coffee, dates, fruits, and light snacks to students,” said Ahmad Balghunaim, a personnel from the Directorate of Education in Al
