How to prepare for new NAPLAN Format: Tips & Strategies

Practical advice for students and parents on how to approach the new NAPLAN Online Tests, including study tips, practice resources, and mindset strategies to reduce test anxiety.

Standing today in the year 2024 life without technology is absolutely unimaginable. Our lives are intentionally and unintentionally obsessively tech-dependent. Well, with the changing times some drastic changes are deemed to happen in the education sector as well. In the dire need of the hour during Covid lockdown the entire education system seemed to function pretty well with online classes after a few initial hiccups. Hence, what would be a better time to transition into the NAPLAN Online Test format for Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9. 

Transition from the old format to the new online format might have raised a few questions amongst the parents and care-givers. But technology being a prevalent part of lives now, why not leverage that to raise the education standards. For those still sceptical about the transition to the NAPLAN online test, here’s a few tips and strategies to aid your child’s preparation for the NAPLAN test.

Approach to the new NAPLAN format: NAPLAN online

Initially it might seem a little daunting while getting ready for the NAPLAN for the students and parents as well. But an open minded approach,  and following the below mentioned advice will definitely make your child’s preparation journey for the NAPLAN online test a cakewalk.

• Understand and get Familiarised with the NAPLAN online format

Transition to online brings in a few changes in the format. Be thorough with the new format for the online NAPLAN test.

• Develop an Understanding of the Technical Specifications

Knowing and understanding the online platform is very crucial. Practice and get comfortable  with the interactive user interface and QWERTY keyboard

• Know the Online Tools available and Practise how to use them

During practice sessions explore the online tools available and how each one of them works. Know how to use the shortcuts and tools provided like- highlighter, calculators and others.

• Take Demonstration Tests Through NAP browser

Through the school’s access the candidates can take quick demonstration tests in the NAP locked down browser. These help develop an understanding of the question types, interactive user interface, online tools provided and special adjustments available for disabled students.

• Develop and Adapt to online test-taking strategies

With incessant practice inculcate the key skills of online test taking. Develop practices like attentive reading of instructions word by word, wise allocation of time available, flagging questions for reviewing later. Adapt using the online tools effectively for a better test performance.

• Stay prepared for technical issues and difficulties

Technical mishaps are beyond our control, be prepared for the worst case scenarios. So instead of panicking, notify your supervisor at the earliest, also be acquainted with common troubleshooting steps for a quick resolve if need be.

Preparation for NAPLAN online Test: Study Tips

We all know that nothing beats good preparation, so here’s some unputdownable smart strategies to boost your preparation for the NAPLAN online test.

• Concentrate on developing your Key Skills

First and foremost upscale your core academic skills- reading comprehension, grammar punctuation, numerical and writing.

• Create Study Schedule

To allocate ample time to all the test sections, create a study schedule. This ensures that no section is left unattended

• Use Active Learning techniques

For comparatively harder study topics, better retention and understanding candidates can try using active learning techniques like- flash cards, picture quizzes, mind maps, group discussions and collaborative group studying.

• Consider practising with Sample Questions

Keeping in mind the latest online testing pattern and changed test format NAPLAN online test authorities have provided sample questions for each test section. With these the students and teachers know exactly what to expect during the real test.

• Take practice test/mock tests under simulated conditions

Make it a point to take multiple timed mock tests/ practice tests online. Taking these tests under simulated exam-like conditions ensures better time and stress management during the real test.

• Make use of the NAPLAN Training Environment

The NAPLAN Training Environment is an exact replication of the real NAPLAN online test for the appearing candidates. This clone interface provides an exact test-like experience for the students with all the functionalities.

• Take and expert’s help for guidance and performance analysing

Any test preparation can be very stressful for both the parents/caregivers and students. An expert’s guidance like that of Selectivetrial, Australia’s leading test preparation platform, during the preparation journey can make a big difference. Moreover they can be a great help for the candidate’s preparation and practice test analysing. 

Tackling test-taking Stress & Anxiety while preparing for NAPLAN Test

For both parents and students, the test preparation and the test becomes really stressful. Due to peer pressure and excessive competition student’s often succumb and experience severe panic and anxiety attacks. To prevent such dire situations it is advised to the students to:

• Practice meditation, deep breathing, and other such relaxation exercises regularly
• Confide with your parents or teachers about your fears, concerns and things causing stress
• Stay confident, calm, composed and trust in themselves
• Lastly, try getting good sleep and rest on the night before the real test.

Want to help your child in preparing for the NAPLAN online Test?

Get in touch with the experts at Selectivetrial.