National and international benchmarking assessments are becoming more important for students across the globe. They help to provide insight into a student's academic performance and compare it to other students worldwide. If you're a parent wondering how to best prepare your child for these important assessments. The good news is that there are some effective preparation methods that can help your child achieve success.
In this article, we'll discuss some tips on how to prepare your child for national and international benchmarking assessments.
Familiarise Your Child with the Test Formats
Each benchmarking assessment follows a unique format, making it vital for parents to acquaint their children with the specific format of the assessment they will undertake. For example, international benchmarking tests may include multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions, or a combination of both.
As a parent, you have the opportunity to offer online practice tests to expose your child to diverse formats, enabling them to familiarise themselves with the different types of questions asked. This not only helps them gain confidence but also enhances their understanding of the assessment process.
Set Goals for Your Child
Setting goals for your child can help motivate them to perform well on these assessments. Goals can also help with time management, as your child knows what they need to work on and how much time they should dedicate to each area.
Start with short-term goals to build momentum and work up to long-term goals. For example, you can set a short-term goal of increasing your child's scores by 10% for the next practice test, and a long-term goal of getting a higher ranking in a future assessment.
Time Management
Effective time management is key when preparing for benchmarking assessments. Encourage your child to manage their time wisely and create a study schedule.
This schedule should include daily study times, breaks, and exam dates. Stick to this schedule and adjust it as needed. Time management will help your child prioritize what they need to study and help avoid last-minute cramming.
Use Learning Tools
Using learning tools can provide students with a fun and interactive way to prepare for benchmarking assessments. Many learning tools are available online, such as educational games and practice tests.
An online practice test for the ICAS exam, for example, allows students to familiarise themselves with the actual ICAS test while learning at their preferred pace. This not only helps gauge their preparedness but also promotes a sense of autonomy and convenience in their learning journey.
Encourage Learning Through Everyday Activities
Learning shouldn't only happen when studying for a benchmarking assessment. Encourage your child to learn through everyday activities as well.
For example, you can play educational games with your child or engage in discussions about current events. Encouraging learning through daily activities can foster a love of learning and help your child retain information for future assessments.
In Summary
Preparing for national and international benchmarking assessments can be a challenging task. However, using effective preparation methods can lead to success. As a parent, you can familiarise your child with the test formats, set goals, encourage time management, use learning tools, and encourage learning through daily activities.
With these tips, your child can be on their way to achieving their academic goals. Remember, benchmarking assessments are not only about rankings but also about measuring a child's progress and growth. So, no matter what the results show, celebrate your child's efforts and progress.
