As teachers we always need to be up to date with any changes to the exams we prepare our students for. If you’re an experienced teacher, you’ll only need to make a few small tweaks to make sure your students are fully prepared for the digital exam offering from Cambridge. And if you’re new to preparing students for digital exams, following these key tips will ensure your students (and you) feel confident on their big day.
Avoid information overload
There’s a lot for students to learn when they’re preparing for an exam – new grammar structures, broadening their vocabulary, understanding each different task in the exam, practising timing – so try to introduce things gradually. For instance, as you introduce each exam task, give students plenty of opportunity to review the format and advice for each one. Don’t expect learners to remember everything first time but with practise and repetition the strategy will become natural.
Provide plenty of opportunities for questions
As learners are becoming familiar with the different tasks, make sure they have the chance to ask questions about anything they are unsure of – no question is too silly! Vary how they do this – they can discuss with their partner, in groups or ask in open class. If you can use computers or mobiles in class, they could post questions anonymously on a shared document. The more opportunities you can provide for students to use digital tools the better. Make sure you also help them find answers themselves. For example, the Information for Candidates booklet is a great resource where students can find out about everything from study tips to what to bring on the day.
Make sure students practise digital skills
Even if your group of learners is very comfortable using computers and technology, they may not be used to doing so in English. Give them activities and projects which allow them to practise typing, reading and listening in English – not just exam practice. The more comfortable students feel using a computer for English, the more confident they will be in their exams. Test & Train is a great way to encourage autonomous learning and exam practice at home, with automatic feedback. Plus, the Teaching tips for Cambridge English Qualifications Digital has many ideas for tasks that you can use in class or have students do at home. Here’s an example:
Listening activity 1, page 6
- Choose a short video or audio clip on a topic that is particularly interesting to you.
- Write three True/False statements about the clip on the board.
- However, instead of playing the clip so the class listens together, share the link for students to listen to on headphones on their own devices (or in a computer room if you have access to one). This little shift mimics the set-up in a digital exam where students will listen individually on headphones. Students listen to the clip and then compare answers with their partners.
There are also activities to help practise reading and writing and suggestions for doing them in class or at home depending on what technology you have access to.
Practise with sample tests
As exam day approaches and students become comfortable with all areas of the exam, they’ll need to do some sample tests. This type of exam practice gives students an accurate idea of the exam tasks and the exact format as well as hands-on practice in using the platform. Again, the Cambridge English Qualifications Digital booklet (page 10) has ideas for using sample tests in class and trying out the different features. It’s also a good idea, if possible, to do some tasks under exam conditions. It’s amazing how setting a timer and working in silence can help students to feel prepared. If you can’t access computers in class, suggest students do a sample paper at home in the closest to exam conditions as they can manage. Remind them to keep a note of their answers so you can go through any problems in class.
Monitor progress
As you do more sample papers and exam-style questions, get students to record their marks. This is a great way for learners to track their progress and see how much they are improving which helps to build confidence. It also gives you and your learners an idea of which areas need extra work so you can plan your time as exam day approaches.
And remember, if you’re ever in doubt, you can find plenty of resources including the handbook for your exam on the Cambridge English website.
A new digital testing experience is coming! Have you heard about Cambridge English Qualifications Digital – the fast, flexible way to get a Cambridge English Qualification? Explore our sample tests and teacher resources to help you and your students feel confident ahead of exam day.