Preparing students for exams goes beyond helping them master the materials — it’s also about conditioning them mentally for the stresses of taking an assessment in a different environment.
Oodles Learning recently conducted a mock assessment designed to simulate real-world exam conditions. This approach allows us to gauge student performance during an exam and, from there, develop customised learning plans to help them.
Diagnostic Assessments in Math Tutoring
At Oodles, diagnostic assessments are mock exams designed to mimic the experience of an actual exam. They serve as valuable tools for coaches to gauge a student’s understanding and problem-solving abilities in math.
By tracking students’ performance, our coaches can gain insights into what the students know and into the areas where they might be struggling.
Involvement of Diagnostic Assessments
The purpose of placing students in environments similar to what they would encounter during an actual exam is to prepare them for the pressure, time constraints, and problem-solving demands they will face.
This realistic setting allows Oodles to see how students perform under realistic conditions, providing a comprehensive picture of their current abilities.
Diagnostic assessments at Oodles go beyond simple right or wrong answers. They measure several critical aspects of a student’s mathematical understanding and skills:
Conceptual Understanding: These assessments evaluate how well a student grasps the fundamental concepts in math. Rather than just checking whether they can arrive at the correct answer, they look at whether the student understands the underlying principles behind the problems.
Problem-Solving Skills: Another key focus is on how students approach solving problems. Do they use logical steps? Can they apply their knowledge in new and unfamiliar situations? By observing these aspects, Oodles can determine whether a student merely memorises procedures or genuinely understands how to solve problems.
Calculation Accuracy: The assessments also measure a student’s calculation accuracy. This is important for identifying whether errors are due to a lack of understanding or simply mistakes in execution, such as in arithmetic or algebraic manipulation.
Application of Knowledge: Oodles’ diagnostic assessments also test how well students can apply what they’ve learned to different types of questions, including word problems, which require them to translate real-world situations into mathematical expressions.
Time Management: Since these assessments are conducted under exam-like conditions, they also measure students’ ability to manage their time effectively. This helps coaches identify students who may struggle to complete tasks within the allotted time, which can be crucial in exam scenarios.
Stress Response: Lastly, by replicating the pressures of an actual exam, these assessments provide insight into how students handle stress and anxiety. Understanding this aspect allows Oodles to offer strategies to help students remain calm and focused during exams.
Where to start?
Preparing for exams goes beyond mastering the material. By familiarising students with the look and feel of an actual exam, we better prepare them for the real experience, which improves their ability to perform.
At Oodles Learning, we take a full-spectrum approach to helping our students prepare for maths exams. To learn more about our range of offerings, visit our website here.
