Australia is one of the best places in the world to study. Next to the US and the UK, the country is presently on the third spot of being the most admired destination for international students. Countless students worldwide prefer to study in Australia because of its friendly natives, cultural diversity, and the best quality of education.
For the locals, intensive education among Australians starts early. Students in their 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th levels are encouraged to join the annual National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) test. This test is a series of intensive tests focusing on a student’s essential skills in writing, reading, language conventions (punctuation, grammar, and spelling), and numeracy. This is the reason why most parents feel there is a need for their children to join NAPLAN tutoring classes.
However, NAPLAN is not associated with the Australian curriculum. Meaning, the tests are not assessments of what students learn inside the school. Instead, this is a general assessment of numeracy and literacy proficiency to check how Australian children answer specific sets of English and Math test questions. The outcome of the exam will tell how your children are doing all throughout their years at school. After all, this is not just about what they learned in the weeks before the test.
Nevertheless, your child needs to accomplish the test to their full potential. Since NAPLAN tests cover lessons in general classwork, preparation starts by covering the class material. It also helps that you identify and consolidate possible areas of weakness for your kid, keeping in mind that every child has unique needs.
The NAPLAN test covers four major areas: writing, reading, language conventions, and numeracy.
Writing
Students are required to write a persuasive or narrative text out of a specific topic. In a tutorial, attendees are exposed to the conventions and format of either of these two genres. The students need to familiarize themselves with these genres so they can efficiently work their way through the writing assessment.
Numeracy
The numeracy potential of a child is achieved effectively when they are provided with the chance to read and comprehend word problems without the need to pressure them into finding solutions. Students have to be more attentive to the questions instead of the number problem. When they can interpret the problem on their own, then it will be easier for them to navigate their way through the question.
Language conventions
Students have to understand proper punctuation, grammar, and correct spelling based on their year level. This also includes being adept at the factors of sentence structure. Ideally, have them edit their writing works. Especially for the lower levels, pupils should be able to accurately identify nouns, adjectives, verbs, and punctuation marks, among others. Talk to them about the stories they enjoy reading. Create spelling lists and have them spell the words verbally. After all, learning is not just about writing. It is perfectly fine to practice orally.
Reading
The NAPLAN reading test is all about reading comprehension. Students are provided with paragraphs and then asked to interpret them based on their understanding. Circling and underlining key facts also helps their comprehension.
With all these critical points taught in a NAPLAN tutoring class, the most important consideration is for the student to feel confident. And never forget to congratulate them on their efforts.