Standardised tests like NAPLAN can be nerve-wracking for students, parents, and teachers alike. For many primary school children, it’s their first encounter with an externally marked test, and this experience can be intense. While academic performance is important, the focus should also be on helping children feel confident and comfortable during these tests.
The first thing to know is that your child does not need to practice or prepare for standardised tests. There is no need for extra coaching to boost your child's result. In fact, the NAPLAN website does not recommend excessive preparation, or the use of coaches or tutors before the test. If they feel comfortable about the process, then regardless of academic performance, there is no need to take any extra action.
However, some parents find their children feeling anxious about the tests in the lead up to them. This blog will explore how primary school tutors can help prepare students for standardised tests by addressing test anxiety, familiarising students with test formats, building concentration, and boosting academic confidence.
Addressing Test Anxiety
A study from 2017 found that up to 20% of primary school students experienced physical symptoms such as headaches and sleep issues in the lead-up to NAPLAN. High school students fared even worse, with almost 50% reporting feelings of anxiety before testing.
If you find your child feels anxious about an upcoming test, a primary school tutor can help ease this stress. It is important to note that tutors aren’t mental health professionals, so if your child is really struggling, it may be worth referring them to a medical practitioner rather than a tutor. But if your child is feeling a milder form of anxiety, a tutor may be able to give them some guidance.
A tutor may have breathing exercises, mental strategies, and academic techniques that your child can practice in order to help them calm nerves and prepare mentally and emotionally for the test. Even some practice tests or “pretend” NAPLANs at home might be useful. Your tutor could set up a mini test of perhaps ten minutes, then spend time reflecting on how your child felt during the experience. As they get more comfortable, these could increase in length until they are confident to sit the full duration of the test.
Familiarity with Question Types
Your tutor can prepare a suite of questions similar to NAPLAN that your child can practice. The aim would not to be to “get better” at answering questions, rather to help them feel comfortable and at ease on the day of the test. If they get used to reading or answering typical questions in a similar format, it may lower their stress response on the day and help them to feel capable of completing the tasks at hand. The more familiarity that can be created, the more at ease your child is likely to feel on test day. Your child’s teacher is likely to do some kind of preparation in class, but if you feel your child needs more support, a tutor might help.
Strategies to Help Focus
For younger students in particular, it can be difficult to remain focused on the test for the full duration. Younger children can tend to get a bit “wiggly”, and standardised tests require them to be seated, usually at a computer, and continue answering questions. Your tutor can help your child build their stamina and find strategies to help focus. For example, your tutor might recommend for your child to hold a fidget toy and take regular one-minute breaks, or practice looking away from the screen, or rolling their neck. Even standing up to have a quick stretch before returning to the task can help your child to refocus their attention.
Your tutor will be able to work with your child to find the specific strategies that work for them. They will also be able to use different exercises and activities to help build your child’s stamina and concentration skills. Learning how to concentrate can pay massive dividends not only in standardised testing, but throughout daily life.
Boosting Confidence as a Learner
One of the reasons children may feel anxiety in the lead up to standardised tests is because of fear of failure. What if they bomb the test? Does that mean they are not smart? Does that mean they are not a good student? We, of course, know that the answer is NO! But a child may have more difficulty internalising that idea. Boosting their overall confidence as a learner can help them to accept the idea that the test does not matter. A tutor can help build your child’s academic confidence by practicing and praising the things they are good at, and finding ways to enhance and develop the areas where they are less proficient. A student who knows they have strengths in art, maths and problem-solving, for example, is less likely to get stuck on ideas of inadequacy or fears of failure concerning a single test. Importantly, they are also more likely to continue their learning journey, work hard in school, try new things, and enjoy learning. Standardised tests are such a tiny part of their school experience – ensuring they are self-assured learners will have extensive benefits throughout their academic lives.
Conclusion
Standardised tests are nothing to worry about – but that doesn’t mean our children won’t worry. If your child is concerned or disproportionally stressed about their upcoming standardised test, a tutor can help them learn the skills and strategies required to stay calm, focused and confident throughout the event. But remember, even if it goes horribly, it doesn’t mean your child won’t do well academically. Take it as a learning experience, and encourage your child to continue to grow and learn. School is about so much more than standardised tests – creating friendships, fostering a love of learning, developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and so much more. Try to keep the big picture in mind, and don’t let standardised tests get them better of you and your child.
FAQs
- What is the role of a tutor in preparing for standardised tests like NAPLAN? A tutor can help your child by familiarising them with the test format, developing focus and stamina, and offering strategies to manage test-related anxiety.
- How early should my child start preparing for standardised tests? There’s no need for extensive preparation or tutoring for NAPLAN, as recommended by the NAPLAN website. However, if your child feels anxious, starting mild preparation a few months or weeks in advance can help (or won't hurt!). Tutors can assist with calming techniques, practice tests, and strategies to build familiarity with the format, helping ease any test-day nerves.
- Can a tutor help if my child feels anxious about standardised tests? Yes, tutors can help by providing mental strategies, practice tests, and calming techniques, though extreme cases of anxiety may require the help of a medical professional.
This blog was written by Tahnee K, a highly sought after Primary School and VCE tutor for English, Literature, French and Media on Learnmate. Tahnee has over 15+ years experience teaching secondary English as well as special education primary.
You can view Tahnee's profile, including her rave reviews and, subject to her availability, request Tahnee as your tutor here.
