This blog post aims to provide comprehensive insights and tips for effective NBT preparation, ensuring that students maximize their performance and set themselves up for academic success.

What Are the NBTs?

The NBTs consist of two main assessments:

Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL)
Mathematics (MAT)

These tests are designed to evaluate a learner’s foundational skills and readiness for university coursework. Importantly, the NBTs complement the National Senior Certificate (NSC), providing universities with a clearer picture of a student’s capabilities.

Why Are NBTs Important?

The NBTs help universities determine the readiness of applicants for higher education. Understanding the relationship between NBT scores and NSC performance allows educators to better prepare students for the demands of university life. It’s essential for learners to approach these tests with the seriousness they deserve, as they can influence university admissions and placement in foundational courses.

Preparing Your Learners for the NBTs

Educators’ Resources

While teachers cannot directly teach to the NBTs, they can guide students using available resources. The National Benchmark Test Project provides educators with specific booklets tailored for preparing students for the AQL and MAT tests. These resources include:

MAT Booklet: Focuses on mathematical skills.
AQL Booklet: Covers academic and quantitative literacy, available in multiple languages including English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, and Zulu.

These booklets are designed to help teachers understand the structure and content of the tests, allowing them to provide better support to their learners.

Study the NBT Test Format

Familiarizing students with the NBT test format is crucial. The National Benchmark Test Project offers downloadable exemplar questions for both the MAT and AQL tests. Practicing these sample questions can significantly boost learners’ confidence and help them understand the types of questions they will encounter.

Time Management During the Test

Both the AQL and MAT tests are 3 hours long. Although the tests are multiple-choice, it is vital for students to manage their time wisely. Encourage learners not to rush through the questions. Taking the time to read and understand each question thoroughly can prevent careless mistakes and lead to better overall scores.

Demystifying the NBTs

In June 2017, the Centre for Educational Assessments (CEA) hosted a workshop aimed at demystifying the NBTs for educators. The workshop addressed several key questions, such as:

Why are the NBTs used by universities?
How do the NBTs complement the NSC?
What historical data exists on learner performance in the NBT compared to the NSC?
What challenges do learners face at university, and how can educators prepare them?

By understanding these aspects, educators can better prepare their learners for the NBTs and, ultimately, for university studies.

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NBT Preparation