Education blog by Pearson India

The world as a whole has come very far from primitive times through the constant development based on technology. Each sector of society has been struck by the digital whirlwind. One such sector happens to be the education sector. Today’s educational methods are driven by next-generation tools.

Educational institutes have started integrating digital learning into their academic structure. This starts as early as the primary school years. E-learning has diversified manifold in the past couple of years. That has not only affected the teaching methods but has also massively influenced the assessment methods. As a result, schools, colleges, and universities are now using online assessment tools to evaluate students.

What are online assessment tools?

Online assessment tools are designed to test the abilities of individuals based on the instructions and guidelines provided by the conductor. This method is used to evaluate and gauge people’s credibility, cognitive knowledge, aptitude, and other skills. Online assessment tools are not just limited to educational sectors; they are used by recruiters in professional fields.

Teachers can use online assessment platforms to combine creative, digital learning methods with the classroom curriculum. Learning should not feel constrained and rigid. Each student has different goals and approaches to achieving them. Online assessment tools provide interactive evaluation methods like game-based tests, quizzes, case studies, polls, etc.

The top five advantages of using online assessment tools to evaluate students

Quick results

Gone are the days when it would take a fortnight for students to receive results from their tests and exams. Using online assessment tools, they can receive quicker results without having to wait for days or weeks. There are many online tests that even provide real-time results. The purpose of the evaluation is to assess students’ achievements, understand their skills, and learn about their learning status. Evaluation helps both the teachers and students improve their teaching and learning skills, respectively.

Assessment is an important part of education, and losing days or weeks waiting for results is not the mantra of modern education. Tests and exams are recurring activities that happen throughout the academic year. It is best to use online assessment tools to cut down on the waiting time between exams and results and instead utilize that period for more learning opportunities.

Saves manual efforts

Conducting an exam involves a lot of administrative work. The teachers have to manually prepare the question paper. They have to assign seat numbers, classrooms, and an invigilator or two for each exam hall. Post which they have to manually evaluate the exam papers, host an open house, display the results in the classroom, or allocate them personally. As opposed to this tedious process, using an online assessment tool, teachers can just create a bank of questions on the platform itself. Everything gets digitally assigned to students just through a link and login credentials. Online assessment platforms can be used to conduct formative as well as summative exams.

By using online assessment tools, the time invested in conducting, monitoring, and evaluating an exam manually, can be otherwise used to create new learning methods. The teachers themselves can indulge in more learning to enhance their teaching skills and develop their knowledge.

Customization of test modules

As it is rightfully said, "There is no one way to teach or learn," there is also not just one way to evaluate students. The traditional examination consisted of question papers with objective or subjective answers to be written by students. While that still remains as one of the examination patterns, there are many other ways teachers can evaluate their students.

The online assessment tools give teachers an opportunity to create their own test modules. This brings diversity and creativity to regular assessment methods. Using these tools, the paper patterns of examination can be diverse. They can be set according to themes, technology, subjects, or skills of the students.

Geographically flexible

One of the prime benefits of online assessment tools is that they are not bound by location. It has a worldwide reach. Teachers can teach from anywhere, and students can learn from anywhere. Similarly, the tests can be conducted from anywhere. Not just that, but these online assessment tools are also linguistically diverse. So, even if the assessment questions are in one language, they can be translated into the other as per the convenience of the examinee.

Online learning and assessment are also flexible in terms of time and pace of learning. Students can take online tests whenever they want. They can do it over and over again. They can do it at any hour of the day and at any time of the year. This gives an opportunity for personal evaluation. And if they are not satisfied, they can take another test with another set of unique questions.

Environment friendly

When today’s education system highlights the importance of the environment and its endangerment, it only makes sense if the learning methods are also environmentally friendly. Online assessment tools save paper and energy. If you look at this on a micro-level, you will understand that by going paperless, schools not only save paper but the manufacturing energy, raw materials, fuels used for transportation, water, etc.

Pearson’s K-12 Education is a blended learning tool that is designed to empower both students and teachers. It has many learning resources like audio, videos, games, online study materials, case studies, etc. that are customized according to the curriculum of CBSE, ICSE, State and International Boards. It is based on integrated and interactive learning methods like live sessions, animated lessons, online tests, etc. For a wholesome learning and evaluation experience, Pearson’s K-12 Education is ideal for anyone looking to expand their horizons through the best digital learning methods.

 

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Proficiency in the English language can be helpful for personal, professional, as well as academic development. Proof of English proficiency is required for purposes like admissions to educational institutes and immigration. For such situations, there are English language proficiency exams that you can take. To learn or to get better at the language, here are some tips that you can follow through with by indulging them in your daily life.

1. Watch English content    

One of the most effective ways to enhance your English language skills is to watch English movies, series, videos, etc. Today, we are surrounded by all sorts of video content and they are all available in English, besides other languages. Consuming various kinds of video content in English exposes you to all levels and diversity of the language. This helps you learn many aspects of the language and it improves your listening as well as speaking skills.    

2. Read English books    

This is one of the most widely suggested ways to improve English proficiency. However, it also depends on how you read your books. Rushing through the book with the aim of finishing piles of them in less time will not get you anywhere. In fact, you should take your time reading through every chapter, understanding the context, and learning the foreign words that you come across. This is the ideal way to read a book if you wish to excel in your vocabulary and enhance your English.    

3. Read blogs    

If reading books is not for you, then you should definitely consider reading blogs. You can read blogs on any niche, any topic of your interest. There are many online platforms today where you can read. The advantage of reading blogs is that you are introduced to contemporary writers across the world. You come across many writing styles, analogies, vocabulary, catchphrases, idioms, etc. The variety of reading content available online in the form of blogs is one of the best ways to improve English language proficiency.    

4. Maintain a journal    

To have a well-rounded language development, you must excel at speaking, reading, and writing. If you are not an avid writer, you can start with a daily journal. This is your safe space where you can write at will about things that you like. Just writing one page each day can help you understand your weaknesses and strengths. Every day, you can learn new words and incorporate them into your daily conversations as well as your journal. If your liking for writing grows, you can start writing your own blogs or even monetize your skills with the right platforms.        

5. Think in English        

Your own private thoughts are the best way to improve your English skills without feeling judged or insecure. If you can train your brain to think in English, you can easily inculcate the same in every aspect of life. Eventually, your brain will build the habit of thinking in English rather than translating it before you speak. This helps you build your communication skills and gradually builds your confidence in your command of the language.        

6. Note things down        

Every time you come across something interesting, like quotes or phrases, or you discover new words, you should note them down. Making your own vocabulary notes will not only help you explore new words, but will also help you understand the meaning of those words. Learning the meaning of words is important because only then can you understand their implication in sentences. Noting things down will help you create your own personal dictionary that you can always refer back to.        

7. Keep researching        

Curiosity will always be the driving force in your learning journey. Every time you come across anything new, be it reading movie reviews, reading the synopsis of a book, or the Wikipedia page of any concept, keep researching and you will keep discovering new aspects.        

8. Use online study materials        

Irrespective of the fact, if you are preparing for an English proficiency exam, or you just want to expand your knowledge, you can refer to Pearson’s Mepro to improve your English in your own space. It is focused on helping candidates learn from tools based on the Global Scale of English (GSE).

Online study materials like Pearson’s Mepro help you learn English using handpicked sources that cover everything from the basics to the advanced. No matter if English is not your first language, you can still learn it efficiently with the right sources and dedication.

 

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All fingers are not the same. This Persian saying expresses the most fundamental fact upon which human personality is based. Every individual is built differently and has their own plans and ways of achieving them. Lately, this fact has been more and more celebrated in the education system.

Almost a decade ago, the education system was rigid and not very tolerant of the needs of students. Everything was limited to classrooms and a few hours of learning. Not every student is able to grasp things at the same level or pace. Yet, they were bound to that system. But now, it has evolved, and a personalized learning experience has finally taken over.

What is personalized learning?

Personalized training is about providing a customized learning experience to students. Educators and institutes are establishing this form of learning by installing personalized learning software into the education system. The goal is to analyse the skill sets of each student and help them enhance them through digital media.

It is not only important to provide the best academic environment for students, but it is also about ensuring that they learn in a mentally and emotionally secure setting. Personalized learning helps eradicate the pressure of keeping up with everyone else and promotes the idea of learning at your own pace.

Why is it important for educators to provide personalized learning to students?

1. Builds healthy competition

Personalized education does not degrade competition amongst the students but makes personal growth the first priority. Academic competition can be ruthless, and it only gets tougher in the later years of a student's educational life. Hence, K-12 education has adapted personalised education to teach students to compete with themselves first and then gradually with their peers. Learning is individualistic, and if the students are not confident in their own knowledge, competing with other students can feel overwhelming.

2. Makes students more responsible

The personalized learning model includes a lot of study materials and tests that students can use independently. This helps them learn in the privacy and comfort of their home. It gives them a sense of responsibility, which drives them to learn on their own. Personalized learning also includes integrated learning, which gives students a chance to explore more knowledge independently and raise queries, as well as have discussions in classrooms or with their teachers face-to-face.

3. Diversified learning experience

Earlier, the learning routine was not very diverse. It was limited to teachers teaching, students noting things down, appearing for exams, and waiting for results. There’s so much more that can happen with personalized learning. These platforms have various learning methods and sources. They use visuals, AI, case studies, etc. This also gives students the chance to explore different learning sources.

4. Personal assessment

Personalized learning platforms have tests and exams that students can take at their leisure to judge their performance. They get a detailed analysis of their performances, which gives them an insight into their strengths and weaknesses. Students can always come back to their teachers in case they need help improving their skills. But at the same time, the personalized learning platform is also helpful in providing resources.

5. Increases productivity

Digital learning gives students the opportunity to learn at their own time and pace. They can always learn, relearn, and revise when they want to. This helps them keep track of their progress and not rush into things. It not only makes the students more productive, but it also helps nurture their mental and physical health as they have more peace of mind.

6. Practical learning

Practical learning helps build better recall values and makes the session more interactive. Student personalized learning encourages teachers to integrate more project-based learning. It also includes games and quizzes, which make the learning environment more enthusiastic and responsive.

How can educators implement personalized learning?

Now that the education system in general has become more tech-savvy, it is easy for institutes to implement personalized learning by reforming the school’s IT systems. They can integrate the software of their chosen personalized training platform into their school’s system and classrooms. Similarly, they can provide access to these platforms to each student. The feature of the personalized learning platforms allows teachers to have admin access, which makes the management easy.

ActiveApp is built to cater to the interests of each student through interactive learning. It is customised to align with the curriculum of CBSE, ICSE, State and international boards. It is now possible for students to get access to top-notch personalized education from anywhere at any time.

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UPSC exam preparation requires continuous effort and dedication. A competitive exam like this demands discipline, deviation, and sheer hard work. The first step towards starting your UPSC preparation is to set a schedule for yourself.

For extensive preparation, you need to start studying at least a year before your UPSC exam date. The goal is to not just start early but to make the most of your time which is achievable only with effective time management.

The first step to managing your days effectively is to prepare a timetable for UPSC preparation.

Time	Tasks	Why
6:00 AM	Wake up	Starting your day early helps you plan ahead compared to staying up late to work or study.
6:15 – 7:00 AM	Exercise, yoga, gym, jogging, walking	Any form of exercise is good. The high oxygen content in the morning is good for your health and it simply makes you feel good.
7:00 – 7:30 AM	Bath	Bathing daily is not just necessary for grooming but also to get you out of drowsiness.
7:30 – 8:30 AM	Read a newspaper (online or offline)	To stay up-to-date with current affairs is important for UPSC aspirants and what better way to do that than by reading the news.
8:30 – 9:00 AM	Breakfast	Eating habits need to be controlled. What you eat can either keep you satiated and energetic or full and drowsy throughout your schedule ahead.
9:00 – 11:00 AM	Study Time	You can start your day by glancing through your previous day’s studies or you can go through what you have studied in your coaching institute. This will help you stay on track with your completed syllabus on a daily basis.
11:00 – 11:30 AM	Break Time	Breaks are of the utmost importance and you must take them as seriously as your study time. Do things that you like but do not carry away.
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM	Study Time	You can utilize this study time to start with new topics and concepts. Pearson’s UPSC books are the study materials that you can refer to for insightful and simplified explanations.
1:30 – 2:30 PM	Lunch	Make sure you have a light lunch that keeps you energized. You can always snack on fruits or dry fruits during your study time. They keep your diet in check while keeping you satiated for long.
2:30 – 5:00 PM	Study Time	Continue with your studies by engaging in online study materials. If you are getting closer to your exams, you can also start taking online tests or going through the previous year’s papers. Make sure that you strategize your learning and revision strategies well with your daily studying schedule.
5:00 – 7:30 PM	Tea/Snacks + Refreshment	Enjoy your evening time with some tea and snacks with either your parents, siblings, or friends. Make sure to take this time to indulge in some refreshing activities like playing or hanging out with your friends and peers.
7:30 – 9:00 PM	Study Time	By the end of the day, you might not have a lot of energy left. So instead of starting on new topics, you can schedule your revisions for the end of the day.
9:00 – 9:30 PM	Dinner	Make sure to eat a full meal so you get a good night’s sleep. In case you have trouble sleeping, you can have a cup of warm tea or milk.
9:30 – 10:00 PM	Watch news/discussions	Watch quality news discussions on UPSC-relevant issues. Look up some content on YouTube or the internet to help you prepare for the exam.
10:00 – 10:30 PM	Unwind	Use this time to do things that you like. Catch up on some books, or if you have a hobby, practise that. Or you can just sit and relax listening to your favourite music.
10:30 PM	Hit the bed	Brush your teeth and have a goodnight sleep. Be ready to tackle the day with bigger force and enthusiasm.

The benefits of the UPSC study plan is

1. You are not only able to plan for exam preparation, but you are also able to strike the right balance between studying and your personal life.
2. You are aware of the syllabus and paper pattern way ahead, which helps give direction to your UPSC preparation.
3. Maintaining a timetable for UPSC preparation gives you enough time to finish your syllabus and then revise it.

Your responsibility does not end with just creating a timetable. The real task begins later, when you have to keep up with it. This is not going to happen in the blink of an eye. Hence, if you fail to keep up with it, you just need to make sure that each day you start with the same enthusiasm and keep up with your hard work.

Pearson’s UPSC books will help you stay up-to-date with your preparation at each stage. The content of the books is designed in a way to help you level up your UPSC preparation. The only companion you'll need throughout your preparation is Pearson’s study materials.
 

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A student’s life is hectic. It is filled with studies, extracurricular activities, school exams, competitive exams, and projects. The list does not end there. The life of a student also includes activities like keeping up with the competition, setting expectations, keeping higher bars, staying on top, learning beyond academics, and dealing with life in general. Yes, that is a lot to take in. But all it needs is a little management from your end and then you will be able to keep up with all of your responsibilities.

As you upgrade in education, your life becomes more competitive, and to match it, you have to increase your productivity. This should not be viewed as a source of stress, but rather as an opportunity to improve. You are allowed to feel unproductive on days when you lack enthusiasm. What is important is to not let this turn into a habit and to get back up on your feet in no time. Breaks are important, but so is bouncing back.

To keep up your productivity as a student, here are 10 tips that you can always come back to.

1. Set small goals

Throughout your life, you will have goals to achieve. This is a never-ending process. And the right way to tackle this is to set smaller goals that are collectively aimed at achieving the ultimate end goals. Achieving small goals not only helps you segregate your energy and concentration but also fills you with confidence and zeal. Knowing that you can achieve the goals that you have planned makes you mentally, emotionally, and skillfully prepared for bigger goals.

2. Make time for revisions

Constant revision is one of the necessary productivity tips for students. This is determined by your abilities and goals for completing the syllabus in the allotted time. Things like formulas and definitions can be revised at the end of the day. Chapters and concepts can be looked at on one day throughout the week. You also need to segregate time for doubt-solving. Ensure that you do not stall it and get your doubts cleared on time.

3. Build a routine

One of the most Every student has a routine suitable to their personality. You too need to fix a routine that makes sure you cover all your activities in a day at the designated time. Discipline is necessary and cannot be excused if you want to stay on the right path. This routine should include everything right from the time you wake

4. Take frequent breaks

One of the most underrated productivity tips is to take enough breaks. Sure, it is important to constantly keep working hard, but you have to learn to strike a balance between that and keeping your mental and physical health in check. You should take short as well as long breaks from time to time. Do things that make you feel relaxed and composed.

5. Reward yourself

Rewards come in many forms and help you boost your enthusiasm. You can set a time limit for your tasks, and as you finish them on time, you can reward yourself with things you like to do. Besides that, you can reward yourself for anything in any way. Your rewards can include ordering food, going out to meet your friends, watching a movie, shopping, etc.

6. Build a workspace

Most students’ productivity comes from a productive environment. If you too feel the same, then you too should set up your room or your table in a way that makes you feel productive. If you are still studying straight from your bed, you should definitely invest time and effort into building a more productive space that does not make you laze around.

7. Take notes

Build this habit right from the beginning. You should make notes about everything that you feel is necessary. This can include formulas, concepts, important dates from history, names, events, doubts, etc. The benefit of making notes is that you can always go back to them whenever you want. They are personalized, and hence, you will always be able to work your way around it.

8. Go beyond academic learning

Academic learning is important, but the development of a well-rounded personality is also important. You can build a hobby, or you can pick up interests like sports, reading, gaming, art, etc. Activities like these help you explore your interests, build your aptitude, and help maintain mental stability, which is important for being productive.

9. Develop a studying pattern

Every student has a study pattern. Some have the habit of writing and learning; some prefer group studying, tutoring, etc. You too should develop your own personal study pattern that helps you learn better. Your own way of studying will keep you more engaged and help you stay productive.

10. Go digital

Using digital learning sources gives you options to explore study materials. This helps with a personal assessment. Plus, if you are looking to expand your knowledge and learn from different tutors, this is the best option for you. Digital learning is easy, quick, and can be done at your own time and pace. But do not get distracted by too many sources.

Pearson’s K-12 is built with the goal of developing a blended learning ecosystem for students from all boards. This online learning resource is ideal for you to develop an independent learning experience as it has interactive learning features. Their app is developed to cater to your learning styles and speed. It is designed for you to stay productive at all times without compromising on the quality of education.

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JEE preparation is one of the crucial phases in an individual’s life. And why not? The one exam that takes a long time to prepare for will decide the future of the career you have planned. To crack JEE with flying colours, you have to be thorough with the syllabus. That’s a given; there's no need to even mention it. But the portion is vast, and if you fail to manage your time effectively, either you will not be able to cover it in time or you will finish it but not efficiently enough.

Exam preparation is a time when you are more stressed than focused. This is bound to occur. It is a time when you can easily spiral down the road of self-doubt and question your capabilities. The chances of this happening are high if you are unable to cope with the curriculum. So, instead of rushing through the syllabus at the end or relying on your guts to perform your best, why not indulge in some JEE time management so you are comprehensively prepared?

Speaking of time management, how long does it even take to prepare for JEE?

Ideally, you need a good amount of time to prepare for JEE. Some students start preparing for it during their junior year of college, while others begin as early as 7th grade. But many factors are involved in this. One of the possibilities for not starting so early is that you did not have enough clarity about your goals in school and hence you decided to prepare for your JEE during your 11th and 12th grades. This does not mean you are late to the party.

Even when you start preparing in junior college, you have enough time on your hands to be thorough with the entire syllabus if you manage it effectively. But let’s note one thing here. Since you are preparing for JEE along with your college or school curriculum, you will have different schedules to keep up with. You will have to put in more work and effort to strike the balance between your education and personal health.

Sounds tedious, doesn’t it? Let’s simplify it for you then. Here are some effective time management tips that you can rely on for not just your JEE preparation but for most of your academic as well as professional life.

1. Set a routine and schedule

A routine keeps you in check. This is not a restricted but disciplined life that you must lead in order to devote enough time to JEE preparation. It might feel forced for a few days, but eventually, you will get into the habit of it. Divide your day based on your tasks and then further divide it based on the subjects or topics you need to study.

Always be aware of JEE exams, syllabus, and paper patterns in advance as this will help you define your preparation. And similarly, try to get the dates of your exams in school and college well in advance so you can plan your priorities accordingly.

2. Do co-ordinated learning

Since you start preparing for JEE as early as in school or college, you will come across many similar syllabuses or topics between both your curriculums. In such a case, you will save time on learning and preparation if you are aware of the syllabus. If not, you might have to relearn it for either of your curriculums. The best way to tackle this would be to be thorough with every concept, and in case you find similarities between both curriculums, you will always be prepared.

3. Learn and revise simultaneously

Constant revision is a must. It helps you build a stronger recall. Once you have learnt a concept, you should give it a few days, or even a few weeks, and then go back to revise it. It is not necessary that you go through the whole concept again to revise. You can try giving tests, mock tests, or solving question papers to see how much of what you learned you can remember. This strategy is useful for school, college, and JEE Main as well as JEE Advance preparation.

4. Spare at least a day a week for doubt-solving

If you come across doubts, you can save a day in the week to solve them. Or you can do them as you learn. But that might interrupt the flow of your studies. This is a personal choice. It depends on your style of studying. Either way, make sure to get your doubts cleared as soon as you can and do not wait until the last moment.

5. Get reliable study materials

When you are preparing for such a competitive entrance exam, your mind wanders from one source of learning to another, hoping that you will eventually find the best one. Either you will end up finding study materials that you will stick with throughout your course of preparation, or you will get stuck in a loop. But picking one source of learning at the beginning of your JEE preparation can help you stay balanced throughout.

Pearson’s JEE preparation books are designed to build the scientific aptitude and problem-solving skills of the candidates. These books cover all the groundwork concepts and theories in the most simplified ways. Right from the introduction of the basic concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics to getting topic-wise solved examples to test your knowledge, everything, you can rely on Pearson’s books.

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As the educational system and academic curriculum improve year after year, digitization in this sector has assisted institutes and students in keeping up. With innovative technologies coming into force at a rapid speed and the need to digitize the world, e-learning has become multifold more advanced than it was a decade ago. It is more than holding online classes and has proven to be helpful for students of all academic years.

Higher education is not just about degrees; it is about shaping life further. It focuses on specializing in skills and getting ready for the professional world. Online assessment platforms help both students and institutes formulate a more stable, quick, and accurate operational system. With so much going on, it is easier to digitize most of the process.

How do online assessment platforms work?

In simple terms, the purpose of an online assessment platform is to test the capabilities of students based on their chosen courses and subjects. Education institutes use these e-learning platforms to automate most of their assessments, which can be for both practise and examination.

Students can get access to independent online assessment platforms too, where they can go through tests and questionnaires to practise their skills and for self-assessment.

What are the advantages of an online assessment platform?

Higher education may need more practice, more time, and more dedication than the rest of the academic years. It’s a crucial stage in a student’s educational life, and regular assessment is needed to understand where they stand in terms of knowledge and skills. Online assessment platforms not only help in higher education assessment but also have other advantages, like:

• They save time for both students and educators.
• It is economical and has no geographical barriers.
• It is possible for students to make customised class schedules.
• The automated process ensures a seamless learning and assessment experience.
• Learning management system makes administration easier.

How to choose the right online assessment platform for higher education?

Here is a checklist to consider before you finalize an online-learning platform focused on assessment for higher education.

Performance analysis

The prime job of an online assessment platform is to help measure the student’s knowledge and aptitude. Hence, performance analysis is a feature that is mandatory. But not any performance analysis. You should go for a platform that provides an explicit breakdown of the learner’s performance. This is not just about giving grades or scores but helping students understand their strengths and weaknesses and find solutions to problems they do not know. The evaluation provided by the platform should be based on testing students’ conceptual knowledge, and the insights should be constructive.

Remote proctoring feature

Speaking of evaluation, during the online assessment it is not possible to have invigilators alone conduct the exams. At least not accurately. Hence, to eliminate the possibility of cheating, the AI-based integrated remote proctoring feature helps the invigilators to assess the exams as this feature has anti-cheat systems and supports live streaming, screen sharing, and audio-visual recording.

Customised question patterns

With online assessment platforms, educators or institutes should have the opportunity to create their own set of questions or patterns. Along with this feature, it is important to note that the platform also has a rich library of questions related to the courses or subjects. With this feature on an online assessment platform, it is also possible to create a personalized assessment for students on a group or individual level. In higher education, it is important to tackle each student based on their learning patterns and skills. With the feature of customized question creation options, educational institutes can easily do that.

User-friendly

The reason why digitization has progressed so much is that with each upgrade it becomes more user-friendly. When it comes to preparing for higher education, both students and educators want to spend less time figuring out how to work their way around the assessment platform so that they can spend more time learning. Make sure that the assessment platform you choose is user-friendly as it saves time and helps increase productivity.

Support team

No matter which online assessment platform you choose, they all have a support team to guide you through the various processes like installation, operation, fixing a bug, updating, customizing, etc. It is important to ensure that the support team is responsive, helpful, and available 24*7.

Pearson’s MyLab I Mastering is an online assessment tool built to help each student ace their higher education. It has a library of homework, tests, and tutorials that cater to a wide range of courses, including advertising, business environments, financial management, human resources, and many more. They are built with interactive learning features and help keep students engaged and concentrated. For a well-rounded e-learning experience, MyLab I Mastering is an apt online learning platform.

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GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) is one of the most prestigious competitive entrance exams in India for aspirants who wish to enrol in post-graduate courses in the engineering or science field. This entrance exam offers you opportunities in masters programmes like Master of Engineering, Master of Technology, Doctor of Philosophy, or jobs in public sector companies.

GATE is administered by the Indian Institute of Science and the Indian Institutes of Technology of Roorkee, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Chennai, and Mumbai. Aspirants who wish to excel in the field of engineering or secure jobs in the public sector should appear for GATE. A good score in GATE can assure you of admissions to prestigious institutes like IIT, IISC, NIT, or any other renowned college across the country.

In spite of being labelled as one of the toughest entrance exams, a huge number of candidates apply for GATE. To sail through this passionate competition and score well in this entrance exam, you must ensure that you leave no stone unturned in your GATE preparation. It is a lot of work, but sincerity and discipline can help you get closer to your dreams.

No amount of preparation can be enough if you are not strategic about it. Here are some do’s and don’ts to follow throughout your GATE preparation that can help you perform your best.

Do’s for the GATE exam

1. Be thorough with the syllabus and exam pattern

One of the most important GATE preparation tips is to first understand what you are preparing for. Knowing the syllabus gives you direction to plan your studies. The GATE 2022 examination has 29 subjects in total, out of which you can choose one to two subjects that are relevant to your interests. If you want to pick two subjects, then you have to choose from the combinations available.

This is a 3-hour long online examination, which comes in two sections: general aptitude and your chosen subject. The questions are designed to test your abilities like problem-solving, analytical thinking, comprehension, and application. There will be a total of 65 questions, and each question may carry a weightage of either one to two marks. It is important that you check the syllabus and pattern on the official website and keep up with their updates.

2. Start preparing early

Everybody learns at their own pace. If this is your first attempt at the GATE examination, it is hard to gauge the amount of time it will take you for preparation. It is best to start preparing months before your examination date. Build a schedule for yourself and follow through with it. This will give you enough time to learn and revise.

3. Focus on strengths and weaknesses

The prime GATE preparation strategy is to focus on both your strengths and weaknesses. If you are good at one subject or certain concepts, that’s a great booster for you. But at the same time, if you are falling short of learning some other parts of your syllabus, it is important that you stay focused and confident. You will have enough time to work on weaknesses, but what’s necessary is to be aware of them and work towards getting better.

4. Pick your subjects wisely

Picking one of two subjects out of a total of 29 subjects can be overwhelming. But you can make a calculated decision by going through the syllabus and understanding the weightage and difficulty level of each paper. Above all of this, make sure that you choose a subject that you are inclined towards and that you want to master.

Don’ts for the GATE exam

1. Don’t study mindlessly

GATE preparation will involve you learning concepts, theories, formulas, etc. and working on your recall skills. Hence, it is important that you go through each section of your paper, study them meticulously, and not just mug up the entire syllabus. Critical thinking is an important part of excelling in your GATE scores.

2. Don’t skip revisions

One of the prime reasons for starting early GATE preparations is so that you have enough time to revise. But know that revisions should occur on a regular basis and should not be saved for the day before your exam. You can revise the concepts and formulas on a daily basis, solve old question papers after you have finished with your syllabus, or even just skim through the entire syllabus once.

3. Don’t skip last-minute preparations

When we talk about last-minute preparations, the focus is on brushing up on your knowledge till the last moment, instead of saving everything to learn at the last moment. Appearing for online mock tests is the best way to do your last-minute preparations. They are timed, come with a unique set of questions, and the quick results give you enough time to reflect on your performance.

4. Don’t look for multiple study materials

GATE preparation books should be definite and you should not go looking for multiple study materials as that might distract you. You can definitely use online resources to help you clarify your concepts, but keep them limited and precise.

Pearson’s GATE books can be your reliable source throughout your preparation. They have detailed explanations of concepts and use illustrations for impactful learning. The books also include question banks to help you revise and test your abilities. They also have a collection of question papers from previous years. This is your one-stop destination when it comes to GATE preparation.

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Almost every Indian student aspires to study abroad, attend a prestigious university, live an independent life in a foreign country, and start a new phase of their life. Canada happens to be one of the top prospects for such aspiring students. 26 of Canada's universities rank in the QS World University Rankings 2019 and 26 of them in the World University Rankings 2019. It’s clear that the country has one of the best education systems in the world.

Canada offers many types of courses like diplomas, undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational, master's, or even certificate courses. The duration of these courses is between 1 and 5 years. Qualifications from the Canadian education system are recognized across the world.

Canada has student intakes throughout the year. However, it varies from one course to the next. Regardless of whether you enroll for fall, summer, or winter intakes, it is preferable that you start making plans to study in Canada almost a year in advance or at least half a year before your academic year begins.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for Indian students to study in Canada

1. Pick you universities

Depending on your interests, eligibility, and qualifications, you can shortlist at least 10 universities that offer courses suited for your stream of study. Every university or institute is different and has its own set of benefits. Hence, you should go through multiple options before narrowing it down to one. Plus, it is always best to have backups.

2. Plan your finances

When you are planning to move to study in Canada from India, you also have to consider the finances, which are not just limited to the term fees of your academic year. The expenses include food, travel, accommodation, visas, online tests, etc. Even with a 100% scholarship, you will have many expenses covered by yourself. Hence, while you are picking your universities, you should take your budget into consideration and explore your ways to arrange finances through options like savings or loans.

3. Prepare for the entrance tests

Depending on your course and the institute, there is a chance that you will need to appear and pass some entrance exams with a minimum required score. They could be as generic as courses like GMAT, SAT, GRE, etc. Preparing and appearing for these entrance exams might take at least a year’s time. You may not be able to clear these in a single attempt. But that’s completely okay. All you need to be careful about is that you plan everything ahead. Hence, make sure to go through the eligibility criteria of your preferred universities and start preparing for entrance exams if required.

4. Take the English proficiency test

Throughout Canada, English and French are the two languages that are prevalent. However, this also depends on the territory you choose. If you decide to go to a university that has English as its primary language, you will need to take an English proficiency test. The PTE test for Canada is the most standardized test accepted across the globe. To get admission into any Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI), you will need a good score on your PTE test. This is a mandatory SELT test to get a regular permit to study in Canada for Indian students.

5. Send your application and wait for confirmation

Now that you have cleared all the eligibility requirements, you can send your application to the universities, and all that’s left for you to do is wait. If you get accepted into multiple universities, then you have to narrow it down to one. After that, you can begin the process of applying for a study permit.

6. Apply for a student visa

You can apply for a visa online through the government of Canada’s website. Make sure you have soft copies of all the documents like admission papers, identity proofs, guaranteed investment certificates, bank statements to prove that you have sufficient funds, medical examination certificates, etc. For more details, you can check the website. Make sure you have all the documents before sending your application, as an incomplete application may lead to a delay in approval or rejection.

7. Select your accommodation preferences

Once you have your Canadian student visa in hand, you can start planning your accommodation. You can choose to stay on the college campus or live by yourself. Here, budgeting and your comfort zone play a huge role. If you are on the campus, you have a safe, secure environment and you do not have to do much by yourself. But if you decide to live outside the campus by renting your own place, you will be responsible for house hunting, laundry, groceries, cooking, cleaning, etc. If that is something you want and you are capable of, then you should definitely go for it.

8. Get ready to soar

Once everything is in place, it’s time to book your flight tickets, pack your bags, and say your farewell. Make sure that you do not enter the country before your visa permit begins. Get all the essentials you need and prepare for the new chapter of your life.

Moving away from education can be a difficult decision. But what comes after may be life-changing and ultimately prove to be the best decision of your life. Studying in Canada is a precious opportunity, and if you get it, you should make the most of it.

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PTE is a reputed examination that is accepted at various institutes and colleges across the world. This examination is designed to test your fluency in English. Even though you are an individual whose native language is English, you must prepare well for this examination if you aspire to score your best.

The PTE examination has three sections, including speaking, writing, and listening. They are all concerned with determining your proficiency in the language. Most colleges have a pre-requisite of PTE scores to prove your efficiency in the language. In addition to that, a good PTE score helps you get aids in exploring many opportunities and is an important aspect of the process of immigration to certain countries.

One might think, "How difficult can it be to pass an English test?" Ideally, that depends on your skills, but it is wise to not underestimate PTE because it is focused on the technical aspects of the language. It takes months of preparation to secure good scores in the PTE exam.

Can you prepare for the PTE test at home?

It is completely possible to prepare for the PTE test from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a digital device, preferably a laptop or a computer, and a good internet connection, you can independently study for the test using online resources.

To begin your PTE preparation at home, here are some key factors that you must keep in mind

1. Define your schedule

When you are preparing for PTE at home, you do not have the pressure of learning or attending compulsory classes. This can either keep you on your toes or make you lazy. Hence, it is important that you prepare a schedule for yourself and stick to it. The best way to begin your scheduling is to understand the syllabus of the PTE test as that will help you allocate time to your daily tasks and study more precisely.

2. Aim for your desired score

It is good to aim high, but it is also wise to stay pragmatic and study strategically. When you are doing PTE home preparations, you need to study according to your goal. If you are studying to secure admission to any academic institute, you can go through their pre-requisites and find out the minimum passing score required for them. You can keep that as your base goal and prepare to at least achieve that score. However, do not limit yourself to that.

3. Study at your own pace

The liberty of preparing at home by yourself for your PTE test is that you can choose to rush through or slow down. You can choose to go over and over one particular topic if you are not through with it. Or if you have confidently finished a concept on time, you can move on to another. When you are preparing at home and not in a class, you have nobody else to keep up with but yourself.

4. Read books, newspapers, articles

This is not just one of the PTE preparation tips, but a life tip. Reading builds your knowledge, gives you perspective, and helps you enhance your vocabulary. And all of that is collectively important for you to score well on your PTE test. To do so, don’t limit yourself to just your study materials. Go beyond that and read from various sources. The more diverse your sources, the better it is for you.

5. Listen to audiobooks, podcasts

One of the segments of the PTE test includes listening, and the other one includes speaking. By listening to audiobooks, podcasts, speeches, or even interviews, you will be exposed to new words that are not only good for your vocabulary but also enhance your listening skills and improve your pronunciation. Some words are naturally hard to pronounce, while some words are personally hard to pronounce. In either case, if you keep listening and learning, you will get better.

6. Get online coaching

There are multiple online courses you can pursue to prepare for your PTE test. But it is important that you narrow down your sources and only stick to the reliable ones. You do not necessarily need to indulge in every online source you come across on the internet regarding PTE preparations.

7. Give online mock tests

Online mock tests are a perfect way to revise before your PTE test. For your last-minute PTE preparations, you can focus on spending more time on giving online mock tests, as this is the best way to actively test your knowledge and get scored for it like on the actual PTE test.

8. Rest enough

When you are preparing for an examination on your own, you might not know when to stop and breathe. But do ensure that you take some time out for yourself on a regular basis, as well as during the last few days before your PTE test. Staying healthy and sharp is of prime importance to scoring well on any given exam.

Pearson’s official coursebooks for PTE Home is a collection of online study materials that are designed particularly to help candidates prepare at home. It has online lectures, questionnaires, mock tests, and handbooks. They have online mock tests that deliver quick results, which help you gauge your performance and predict your scores before your exam. Pearson’s coursebooks can help you with end-to-end PTE preparation.

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