Some relief but student stress levels very high ahead of DSE exams

Online lessons rather than in-person classes and fewer social interactions with teachers and classmates amid the pandemic have seen stress levels among Diploma of Secondary Education students at a very high level for the second year in a row, a survey has found.

Students taking the DSE exams later this month have a pressure score of 7.6 out of 10, the nongovernmental organization Hok Yau Club said. That's from a survey of 1,768 students taking the exams this year. The score, however, was lower than last year's 8.1, the highest since the survey began in 2012.

Nearly 44,000 candidates will sit the exams from Friday to May 22.

Ng Po-shing, director of the club's student guidance center, said this year's candidates are a little less stressed than last year because they do not have to face variables like exam delays or cancellations.

"The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority also has announced the postponement and adjustment of exam scopes when schools commence. This helps lessen students' stress," Ng said.

More than half of the students said the pressure stems from worries about their future pathway, insufficient time for revision and self-expectations.

Ninety percent said the pandemic has stalled their study progress, made it harder for them to concentrate and reduced their motivation. Seven out of 10 said online teaching is having a negative impact on their preparation.

Since January last year, face-to-face classes have been suspended several times, and online learning has become the new norm.

"With the ongoing epidemic affecting this year's candidates for over a year, both online and mixed-mode teaching will have an effect on their study," Ng said.

Given that online learning is not as effective as in-person classes, coupled by the lack of support between schools and pupils, Ng said students are finding it hard to relieve their stress.

He added that the lack of social gatherings and entertainment could be other top factors leading to the high pressure.

This year's DSE canceled speaking examinations in both Chinese language and English language. While 50.2 percent of students said it was a good thing, 31.3 percent believed otherwise.

"Some students who are good at speaking felt that their overall language ability will not be fairly and accurately reflected if the oral assessments are canceled," Ng said.

Nearly two-fifths of students also said canceling the school-based assessment may add more stress as their results will be completely dependent on their performances in the DSE.

The club said students should be aware of their stress levels. And candidates should familiarize themselves with the special quarantine arrangements and arrive at venues earlier for preparation.

carine.chow@singtaonewscorp.com