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In early 2020, the world was locked down due to a nightmarish virus: COVID-19. As the virus spread rapidly across the globe, it brought about significant disruptions across a multitude of sectors, including education. Among those heavily impacted were aspiring engineers preparing for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, a critical milestone for their professional journey. This blog aims to dive deeper into the ways in which the pandemic affected all FE exam candidates, explore the challenges they faced, and highlight the remarkable resilience they displayed in adapting to these difficult circumstances.
In this Blog,
1. The Shift to Remote Learning: Challenges and Opportunities
When the pandemic struck, schools and universities were forced to lock up their doors, causing a rapid shift from traditional, in-person learning to remote education. For FE exam candidates, this meant embracing online lectures, virtual study groups, and digital resources as the new norm. While initially, this new digital environment offered plenty of conveniences, such as schedule flexibility and greater accessibility, it also came with a set of new challenges.
The abrupt shift to remote learning forced all candidates to adapt to a different learning style. Some individuals were able to thrive in the virtual environment, finding it more conducive to their own study habits. However, there were others who struggled to adapt, facing technical difficulties or struggling to maintain focus without the structure of a physical classroom.
Social distancing exasperated the issue, forbidding friends, colleagues, and all other established study groups from gathering personally. The lack of face-to-face interactions with peers and instructors also deprived candidates of valuable opportunities for immediate feedback and collaboration.
2. Disrupted Study Routines: Maintaining Focus Amidst Chaos
An effective study routine is fundamental for success in all exams, and the pandemic wreaked havoc on candidates' established study habits. Many found themselves engulfed by the many distractions found at home, making it incredibly challenging for many to maintain their concentration and discipline during their dedicated study sessions. The lines between personal and academic spaces blurred, increasing the likelihood of procrastinating and reducing productivity.
Additionally, the pandemic imposed additional responsibilities and greater stress on some candidates. For instance, those living with high-risk family members or roommates were required to become caretakers during the pandemic, drastically reducing any available study time. Others were faced with immense financial strain due to unexpected job losses or economic uncertainties, forcing them to put greater effort into searching and taking on more work alongside their exam preparations.
3. Limited Access to Resources: Overcoming Obstacles
Access to study materials and other testing resources has always been essential for FE exam preparation; however, the pandemic also created new sets of obstacles in this area. Closures of libraries and educational institutions limited candidates' access to physical textbooks, study guides, and study groups. Unfortunately, those who were plagued with internet connectivity issues or financial constraints faced even greater difficulties in terms of access to online resources, exacerbating their already-strained exam prep.
As a show of many candidates’ sheer determination, ingenuity, and ability to adapt to new situations, many sought alternative resources and utilized the tools that were already readily available to them. Collaborating through online platforms, sharing study materials, participating in virtual study groups, and engaging in webinars hosted by experienced professionals; all these actions showcased their determination to overcome any obstacles, highlighting their commitment to succeeding in their career aspirations.
4. Canceled or Delayed Exams: Coping with Uncertainty
Uncertainty spread throughout the pandemic, forcing testing centers all around the world to suspend or reschedule FE exams to prioritize public health and safety. These abrupt cancelations added significant strain and frustration for those candidates who had diligently prepared for their scheduled exam dates, only to be told that their chosen exam had been postponed indefinitely.
In response to these sudden changes, candidates had to recalibrate their study timelines and adjust their preparation strategies. While this may have been undoubtedly challenging, many turned this period into an opportunity for further refinement in their exam preparation, using this newfound time to solidify their understanding, refine their problem-solving skills, and conduct further mock exams to enhance their exam readiness.
5. Emotional Toll and Mental Health Challenges: Nurturing Well-being
The pandemic's prolonged duration and uncertainty brought an immense emotional toll on the world, including FE exam candidates. Stress and anxiety relating to health concerns, economic insecurity, and social isolation affected many candidates' mental well-being, making it all the more difficult to focus on studying and preparing for the exam.
To combat anxiety and mental stress, it was important to have strong support systems in place. Family, friends, and peers played an integral role in providing emotional support and encouragement. Online communities emerged as a vital resource, offering a platform for candidates to connect, share experiences, and find solace in knowing they were not alone in facing these struggles.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic and global lockdown undoubtedly brought along many challenges for aspiring engineers preparing for the FE exam. Shifting to remote learning, disrupting study routines, limiting access to resources, isolating everyone, and postponing exams posed significant hurdles for everyone. Additionally, the emotional toll and mental health challenges further compounded the difficulties faced by future examinees. However, these obstacles were not faced without resistance.
Resilience and adaptability were highlighted in the face of adversity during COVID-19 and were nothing short of inspiring. Despite the setbacks, FE exam candidates were able to demonstrate determination and resourcefulness by embracing remote learning, seeking alternative study resources, and adjusting their preparation strategies for this new world. As we continue forward, it is crucial to recognize the hardships faced by FE exam candidates during the pandemic and provide the necessary support and resources to combat future hindrances that we may face in the future.
While the pandemic may have hurt FE exam candidates, it has also shown the strength of their spirit and their unwavering commitment as engineers. As the world gradually recovers from this crisis, let us celebrate the resilience of these aspiring engineers and support their journey towards a brighter and more promising future. Are you on the path to becoming a professional engineer? School of PE’s FE and PE exam courses are just what you need! Learn more about our comprehensive course options now!
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