Teachers Conferences Admissions Testing

Transcription

1 Teachers Conferences 2014 Admissions Testing

2 Agenda Why use tests? Purpose of the tests Types of test Logistics How to prepare What happens afterwards?

3 Why use tests? Rising applications per place Help us concentrate interviewing resources on those most likely to achieve an offer More forms of data to help select Differentiating between well qualified candidates To stretch and challenge applicants Assess aptitude rather than knowledge A common set of data with which to compare applicants

4 Types of test Skills: Application of pre 16 study but may stretch into post 16 qualifications Response to new material Interpretation of data or argument Critical thinking Comprehension Essay writing Method: Multiple choice Short answer questions Essays

5 Tests for Medical Science Courses Used for: Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Biomedical Sciences Used by: BMAT 7 Institutions UKCAT 24 Institutions Method: BMAT- 2 hours. Multiple choice, short answer + 1 essay from choice of 4 UKCAT 2 hours. Verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, decision analysis and situational judgement How: Selection for shortlisting

6 LNAT & TSA Used for: LNAT Law TSA A variety of subjects Used by: LNAT 11 institutions TSA Different versions used by Oxford, Cambridge and UCL Method: LNAT- 90 minutes, 42 multiple choice questions + 1 essay from 5 choices. Testing interpretation, analysis, comprehension and writing skills TSA 90 minutes, 50 multiple choice questions + 30 minutes at Oxford 1 essay from 3 choices. Testing numerical, spatial reasoning and writing skills How: Different sections used at different stages

7 Example: LNAT & TSA Question 1 School examination results in England this year reinforce the trend in improving pass rates. There is, however, no other evidence of improvements in school leavers' abilities - such as the data coming from employers or universities. One can reasonably conclude, therefore, that teachers are simply succeeding in coaching their pupils better for examinations than in previous years. Which one of the following is an underlying assumption of the above argument? A School examination results are a reliable indicator of pupils' abilities. B The level of difficulty of examinations has not been falling. C Employers' expectations of school leavers are unrealistic. D Teachers in previous years did not attempt to coach pupils for examinations. E Abilities of school pupils vary from year to year. Question 2 A publisher produces magazines, all of which have a number of pages which is a multiple of 32. Thus, a magazine can have 32, 64, pages. The front cover is always counted as page 1. The centre spread of the magazine could have pages numbered: A 15 and 16. B 30 and 31. C 50 and 51. D 63 and 64. E 96 and 97.

8 Example: LNAT & TSA Section B: Essay Answer ONE of the following questions. Your answer should be a reasoned and substantiated argument which justifies your response to the question. 1. In what circumstances should abortion be permitted and why? 2. Would you agree that travel and tourism exploit poorer nations and benefit only the richer ones? 3. The Olympic games, today, are less a test of personal athleticism and more a measure of national investment and authority. Do you agree? 4. Wearing a burkha in Western countries is just as offensive as wearing a bikini in Arab countries. Do you agree? 5. Women now have the chance to achieve anything they want. How do you respond to this statement?

9 Mathematics & Physics tests Used by and for: MAT - Maths & joint courses or Computer Sciences at Oxford and Imperial College London PAT Physics, Engineering Science, Material Science STEP NOT REQUIRED BY OXFORD - 2 institutions, but some encourage as good preparation Method: MAT hours, Based on core maths modules 1 & multiple choice + 4 from 5 longer questions. Testing application of knowledge to new scenarios PAT - 2 hours, Maths and Physics tested. Key topics covered e.g waves or algebra available on line STEP - Up to 3, 3 hour papers, candidates choose 6 questions per paper How: MAT used at both shortlisting and final offer PAT used primarily at shortlisting

10 HAT & ELAT Used for: History & joint courses English Literature & joint courses Method: HAT- 2 hours, two sources and 4 questions. Testing interpretation, analysis, critical thinking and writing skills ELAT hours. Compare & contrast 2/3 of 6 themed extracts. Testing close reading skills, responsiveness to unfamiliar material How: Used primarily at shortlisting

11 CLAT, LAT, OLAT & MLAT Used for: Classics and joint courses Beginners languages, classics II or linguistics Modern Languages from A level Oriental Studies Method: CLAT- 1 hour each for Latin & Greek. Testing translation skills LAT - 30mins/1hour. Testing interpretation of an invented language. Varies depending on degree programme MLAT- 30 mins. Testing applications of grammar and sentence translation How: Used in selection for interview but can be used to set level at interview

12 Logistics & Registration UCAS is very clear on both course search and during the application when students need to take tests It is a students responsibility to ensure they are registered for tests and deadlines for this may vary Most can be taken within schools Majority are pen & paper tests Bursaries are available for those tests that charge Students may be required to take more than one test

13 Admissions Testing Service TSA BMAT STEP Oxford only tests

14 How to prepare? Dependent on test aptitude or ability? Science tests Revision of early work helpful. Firm knowledge of subject matter helpful Humanities (English, History, Languages) Practice of similar exercises from teachers helpful TSA & LNAT Unseen essays All PRACTICE & Exam technique Sample papers and marking schemes available Limited number so spread out attempts

15 Afterwards... Delivery of marks varies by subject Don t expect top marks pass mark depends on the cohort Used alongside all other information to decide who should be interviewed Interview(s) Prior academic achievement Predicted grades Written work Personal Statement Pre-Interview tests Teacher s reference