Believe it or not , every individual is born with some unique trait. Research suggests that every child possesses at least one talent. However, most people remain unaware of their inherent abilities, and very few can recognize them at an early stage of their life. The best time to identify students' talent and abilities is between the ages of 10-18 years. The earlier it is discovered; the more time students get to validate and nurture it.
"Talent" is the natural ability of a person that comes without training in itself. Additionally, it is the capacity to acquire and develop related skills through practice. Parents and teachers play a major role in the identification of the hidden abilities of children by focusing on their behaviour, hobbies, inclinations and interests.
In this article we will be highlighting the ways in which Olympiad exams act as a perfect stimulus to evoke the dormant talents in students.
Confronting unknown
Exposure to new experiences encourages students to come up with innovative ideas. Olympiad exam, in itself, is different from routine academic exams. Students are well versed with the level and pattern of their academic exams which is supported by the classroom teaching. However, the questions asked in the Olympiad exams are higher level application questions which encourage students to stretch their efforts beyond the routine and explore a novel way of absorbing the academic concepts. Such kind of an exercise stimulates the innate and dormant abilities such as problem solving and critical thinking .
Discovering self
Olympiads push the students out of their comfort zones and save the time which they would have otherwise spent on non-essential tasks. The journey of Olympiad preparation itself leads to self-discovery. Analytical abilities, comprehension, and logical reasoning are honed during Olympiad preparations. Not every person is meant for every opportunity that exists , hence self-awareness is crucial for making important decisions in life. Exams like Olympiads make students self-aware, apprising them of their capabilities. For example, someone who has excellent analytical skills may not be able to keep pace with the timelines of the test. She may find a repetition of the same pattern upon taking the test few times. This itself is a revelation of her amazing ability to do a perfect analysis and at the same it sensitises her about her weakness too. Such kind of self-awareness goes a long way in making the right decisions that are crucial for life going forward.
Such exams instill the idea that every problem has a possible solution despite challenges. This is important because it further triggers the motivation to try new things which in turn leads to a growth mindset at an early age , leading to further revelations about one’s own potential and talents.
Understanding Preferences and Interests
Through Olympiad assessments, students can identify their natural strengths and weaknesses. This process involves review and feedback of their performance in the test, received from teachers, peers, and mentors. Reflecting on their learning experiences through the Olympiads allows students to discern their preferences and interests. This can guide them towards activities and subjects where they naturally excel or have a strong passion.
Skill Development
Olympiad examination requires specific skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, speed and accuracy . Engaging in this exam helps students to first discover their competence at such skills and then hone them in a practical and meaningful context.
Curiosity Itch
Keeping your curiosity healthy is crucial. World extends beyond what is visible and knowing that is essential for a growth mindset. Many a times latent abilities remain unknown unless we expose ourselves to challenging situations. Olympiads invoke the curiosity itch, which in turn uncovers hidden talents.
Stepping out of Comfort Zone
We need to address the looming threat of the comfort zone. It is hard to spot and you don’t know you’re in, until you get out of it. Writing Olympiad exam is no compulsion but a choice, unlike the academic exams. Making an attempt at this exam amounts to stepping out and embracing the challenge of competing with lacs of other students all over the country and knowing where you stand. The very act of putting in extra efforts on preparation is like challenging your own self. What is important is to just make an attempt and embrace the unknown. This speaks scores about your risk-taking appetite.
Preparation for Real-World Challenges
The competitive environment of the Olympiad examinations simulates real-world scenarios where individuals or teams compete for opportunities, resources, or recognition. This prepares students for future academic, professional, or personal challenges they may face. The exam offers this opportunity right from grade 1. It pushes students to confront such real-world scenarios which in turn stimulate responses that happen to be an expression of their innate abilities.
Conclusion
You can lead a fairly good life without ever crossing path with many things that don’t seem urgent or important, however success comes to those who reach out to unknown with open arms. Olympiad exam may not be a compulsion but experiencing it is like opening doors for a newer version of you through self-discovery.
We welcome our readers to share their experiences, opinions, or questions by commenting in the section below. For queries regarding our preparatory books, drop in an email at info@dishapublication.com.
Read More: Top Nine Strategies to Excel in School Olympiads
