Why mind blanks happen during exams ( Kent)

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/why-mind-blanks-happen-during-exams

Summary:

There are three region in the brain. Firstly, it is the hypothalamus. This part of the brain had strong connections to the endocrine system which is is responsible for the type and amount of hormones flowing throughout the body. The second one is the hippocampus. It plays a significant role when we are learning and recalling things. It is like a memory door . The third one is the prefrontal cortex (PFC). All the things that suggest you , as a human being, are in control are largely meditated here. Example is the ability to hold and manipulate information in your mind.

When an exam is interpreted as a threat and a stress response is triggered, working memory is wiped clean, recall mechanisms are disrupted and emotionally laden hot cognition driven by the hypothalamus overrides the normally rational cold cognition driven by PFC. This cause mind blanks.

Opinion:

As the saying goes. "practice makes perfect". In my opinion, practising in situations or scenarios that is similar to the actual can enable one to perform better. An example can be seen from the armed forces. They often train the new recruits in stressful situations that simulate active combat scenarios . This is to ensure that the recruits are able to adapt quickly during a real war. The more a person experiences a particular situation, the less likely he or she is to perceive such a situation as threatening. Thus , we should practise under scenarios when preparing for examinations to refrain from experiencing mind blanks.                                                                                                                                                                                          

cognition:perception

unimpeded:unrestricted

cascade:pass (something) on to a succession of others.

cortisol:a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex and used medicinally to treat inflammation resulting from eczema and rheumatism.

laden:loaded