Classroom Forum Report Strengthening knowledge about the history of democratic Kampuchea (1975-1979) And Orientation of the Baccalaureate examination in October 2024 On Monday, September 9, 2024, Prey Veng Documentation Center organized a meeting in the form of a weekend classroom forum at the Prey Veng Documentation Center office with 32 students (18 female) from Mesang High School, Mesang District, Prey Veng Province, to revisit knowledge about the Khmer Rouge history and address various questions that the students did not yet understand clearly about this history. This arrangement took place at the request of the history teachers and was agreed upon by the principal of Mesang High School to strengthen the students' capabilities regarding their remembrance of the Khmer Rouge history, in preparation for participating in the general knowledge graduation exam, which will be held from October 8 to 10, 2024. The main objectives of conducting this classroom forum are: 1) to supplement knowledge about the history of democratic Kampuchea (1975-1979), and 2) to orient students the Baccalaureate examination which take place from October 810, 2024. 32 Students and a history teacher arrived at Prey Veng Documentation Center at 8:30 a.m. After registering in the attendance book, all the students were introduced to and shown an exhibition of photographs, books, and documents stored in the office. The team provided ample time for students to read, observe, and ask various questions related to the exhibition, books, and documents regarding the Khmer Rouge regime. Some students sat reading books and Searching for the Truth Magazines in the reading room and exhibition room. Others observed photographs of the former Khmer Rouge cadres taken during and after the Khmer Rouge regime and read information about those photos displayed on the long table in the office. Meanwhile, some students stood observing many other images displayed in the exhibition room and documents stored at another exhibition room of the Prey Veng Documentation Center. The primary goal of providing time for students to visit the exhibition and read documents was to give them comprehensive information about the Khmer Rouge regime to supplement their knowledge related to Khmer Rouge history and resolve some of the students' questions regarding the Khmer Rouge regime. After finishing the visit to the exhibition and reading Khmer Rouge documents, all students entered the classroom to discuss the general content of Khmer Rouge history. Mr. Pheng Pong-Rasy welcomed and engaged with all the students and started the discussion about Khmer Rouge history by asking the question, “When we talk about the Khmer Rouge regime, what period do we think of?” The students answered his question confidently. Then, the teacher asked another question, “Are you all ready for the upcoming grade 12 exam?” All students unanimously replied, “Yes, we are ready.” Starting from this question, Mr. Rasy outlined two main procedures for this meeting: 1) a detailed discussion of the content of Khmer Rouge history, and 2) guidance for exam timing in the upcoming short period. 1) Discussion of the content of Khmer Rouge history Teacher Rasy provided time for students to ask various questions about Khmer Rouge history to clarify any prior questions they had. During this time, Mr. Rasy made a detailed presentation about the emergence of the Khmer Rouge regime until its rise to take control the power in 1975 and continued to the fall of this regime. He also emphasized a deep explanation of the eight points of Khmer Rouge ideology, the leadership of the Khmer Rouge government, and the living conditions of people during the Khmer Rouge period. Along with the aforementioned points, the teacher also showed three short documentary videos: The Khmer Rouge Liberation Zone in 1973, The Ghosts City in Phnom Penh, and The Children of Kampuchea. Due to the students' many questions and their desire for the presentation on historical content to be more conversational and detailed, this classroom forum extended from the morning until the afternoon. At 3 p.m., the discussion on Khmer Rouge history concluded with students expressing that they understood better than before and could have sufficient capability to answer various questions related to Khmer Rouge history on the upcoming exam day. 2) Orientation for students to participating in the upcoming exam Teacher Rasy and teacher Pot Makk jointly guided the students on “Preparing well for the upcoming exam.” The two teachers spent over half an hour after the discussion on Khmer Rouge history guiding the students. Together, this guidance focused on several key points that students should know: a) Avoid overthinking about the upcoming exam, which can lead to stress and may prevent achieving the intended goals. The teachers elaborated on the excessive anxiety students have regarding exam day or subjects to be completed during the exam, which causes a loss of focus or memory of the lessons. The guiding teachers showed reasons that led to students receiving poor scores during exams. All these reasons stemmed from students trying too hard and having excessive anxiety. b) Spend some time before the examination take place for relaxation. The teachers provided numerous examples related to excessive study and its unsatisfactory exam results. Mr. Rasy recommended that students should balance their time at least five days or one week before the exam for mental relaxation, because relaxation or a break from studying before the exam can provide students with a clear emotional state, which will help them remember lessons better for the exam day. c) Maintain good health for participating in the upcoming exam. This point is crucial for exam day. Good health is a key aspect of success in exams. Mr. Pot Mak advised all students to take care of their health to prepare for the upcoming exam. Rasy also added more advices regarding health condition before the exam day. Finally, Mr. Rasy encouraged all students to continue making the effort but to avoid placing too much pressure on themselves. Moreover, they should take care of their health by finding time to relax before the exam and should have confidence in their capabilities and approach the exam calmly. Photos: Pheng Pong-Rasy Text: Phea Raksmey and Pheng Pong-Rasy