Adaptive tests have become increasingly popular, particularly for 11+ independent school examinations where they have the facilities for each child to have their own device and take their own test online. They are not currently used by any grammar schools in their 11+ examination process.
What are adaptive tests?
Adaptive tests are online tests which use an adaptive algorithm to adjust the level of difficulty based on individual students’ ability. Unlike traditional tests, where everyone receives the same questions in the same order, adaptive tests tailor questions to each individual, based on how well the student is doing. Questions are not pre-selected but determined on the spot meaning each student gets a unique experience.
Adaptive tests use material from the same curriculum as non-adaptive tests, but the difference all comes down to the approach and exam technique.
How does an adaptive test work?
- Initial Question: The test begins with a question of medium difficulty.
- Dynamic Adjustment:
- If you answer correctly, the next question becomes more difficult.
- If you answer incorrectly, the test offers a slightly easier question.
- Goal: The test aims to quickly establish your skill level by adapting to your performance in real time.
- Score Precision: Since the test adjusts to your ability, fewer questions are often needed to determine your score, and it tends to give a more accurate reflection of your capabilities.
What are the benefits of adaptive tests?
Shorter Tests: Fewer questions are needed to determine the student’s ability which reduces the test length allowing for a better learning experience for children.
More Accurate: By targeting questions around the child’s ability level, adaptive tests can provide a more precise measurement. They can better gauge the child’s current ability as well as their potential by identifying a child’s full range of abilities.
Personalised Experience: The test becomes tailored to the child’s performance level so children spend more time in their ‘learning zone’. This ensures the test is not too overwhelming, yet still challenging.
How can you prepare for an adaptive test?
- Understand the format of the exam
This might sound obvious, but it is vital your child understands how an adaptive test works. If a child doesn’t understand how to do an adaptive exam it can really throw them off and it will not show what they are capable of.
Key points of an adaptive test:
- Easier at the beginning.
- Accuracy is key.
- No skip or back buttons.
- Double check throughout the test and before submitting each answer as you can’t go back!
- Slow down and make the most of the full time limit as they can’t go back once they complete the test.
- Usually the child is allowed a pencil and paper to use for working out. Practise with this!
- Mock tests and test transcripts
Mock tests are a great way to practise this type of exam. For a mock test to be valuable, it has to be taken under exam conditions though so make sure your child is fully concentrated on the mock test and nothing else!
It is generally recommended that children start by doing 1-2 mock tests per month before increasing to 1-2 mock tests per week in the last 6 weeks before the exam. Don’t forget to use the mock tests to track your child’s progress and see how they’re improving.
Review the mock test transcripts with your child to:
- Check for areas of weakness.
- Check whether your child completed all the questions.
- Check how much time was spent per question.
- Check their accuracy and particularly the accuracy at the start of the test.
- Check any incorrect answers and whether they should have most time spent on these. Did they make any silly mistakes? Did they panic? Did they think they didn’t know the answer and felt like they just wanted to guess and move on quickly?
- Focus on accuracy at the start of the test
If your child gets questions wrong early on, then it will take a longer time for the test to get back up to the level where they can gain more marks.
- Practise using process of elimination
Adaptive tests are always multiple choice so ensure your child practises using the process of elimination to answer the questions. Do not guess at an answer, ensure your child takes their time and uses this process of elimination to have the best possible chance of getting the question right.
Which exams are adaptive?
- The ISEB Common Pre-Tests is an adaptive test used by many schools now.
- The 11+ London Consortium also uses adaptive testing.
How can Bright Light Education help?
We have a number of 11+ tutors who are experienced in helping children prepare for adaptive tests. Please click on the link below to find out more.
Are you looking for a 1:1 tutor?
If you are looking for a 1:1 tutor for your child, head to our Find a Tutor page to request a tutor.
Tutors are qualified teachers, with Enhanced DBS certificates.
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