Summary: It is necessary to realize importance of consistent educational performance in career growth and take necessary steps to ensure the same. This article aims to give a few tips that can enable the same.

As a student I tried my best to get good ranks. During one college year I neglected my performance in exams that had an impact on overall educational performance. I was consistently getting ranks and first class performance. But one year’s inconsistent performance always evoked queries during interviews for jobs. It was very difficult to justify the inconsistency in educational performance. I realized the folly of neglecting ranks and it was too late to correct.

Imagine two educational performance trends

In the above example Student 1 did not maintain first rank but the performance had consistency. Whereas in case of Student 2 a sudden drop to 10th rank is sure to raise eyebrows.

During job interviews performance of a candidate in academics really matters. This is one measure employers use to assess candidates. It is not practical to expect every student to secure 1st rank, but consistency is something that can be looked at. Understanding this, parents should ensure that the potential of child is encouraged properly that ensures improvement in educational performance. Any degradation in performance can be difficult to justify.

But during school and college what really happens could be:

1st month of academic year: This is still beginning; I still have lot of time to start preparation for exams.
2nd month of academic year: There is backlog to be cleared; so I will just prepare for first assessment exams now and ensure I keep my self up-to-date with lessons everyday after that
3rd month of academic year: Exams are over just now. Let me relax. I will start studying next month.
4th month: There is backlog to be cleared; so I will just prepare for first assessment exams now and ensure I keep my self up-to-date with lessons everyday after that

This cycle repeats and the problem of procrastination makes child perform below their capacity. This happens to everyone. Click here link for a little humor on what happens on a final exams. Does that sound familiar??

What can enable a consistent performance?

Parents can do a little so that their children don’t repeat the same. Read the following and check whether they might help. (You can add your own!)

• Make child aware of the ‘procrastination problem’
• Have an academic calendar of exams schedule posted prominently in child study area. This will keep the child informed of approaching assessments.
• Encourage regular study hours for children.
• Allow enough freedom for their playtime.
• Encourage regular sleep times.
• Reduce disturbance to child’s study time (Don’t allow parties/celebrations/movies that disturb study time)
• Reward good performance with appropriate appreciation and encouragement.
• Encourage positive attitude
• Create a conducive environment for study at home

Your views on the above article can be sent to cskishore@yahoo.com with subject: Career Guidance.