Education blog by Pearson India

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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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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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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Learning structures in today’s times are not as rigid as they used to be. There are no restrictions on where or who you can learn from. Since the introduction of online education, learning is not bound by uncompromised, hectic college hours. Today, digital learning has excelled to the point that it is considered mandatory by most individuals as well as educational institutes. And for higher education, it is believed that blended learning can give you more scope than offline or online learning can give you individually.

There was a time when we thought that, in terms of blended learning, we could go as far as using calculators in classrooms. But now the integration of offline and online learning has gone beyond many unpredictable scopes.

Higher education is a crucial phase in the academic years. Hence, it’s relevant for learners as well as teachers to combine traditional and digital learning methods. When it comes to online learning, most of the responsibility falls on the learners. But when integrated with offline learning, one can have a multidimensional approach to studying.

Here’s how teachers can implement highly engaging blended learning in higher education.

Decide on a learning model

You can use different learning methods for blended teaching. They all have different objectives and benefits. You can choose one that fits well for your students or your class.

• Lab Rotation: You can dedicate specific time for lab learning as it gives students an opportunity for experiential learning.
• Flex Learning: The flex learning method gives students a chance to work with the teachers on digital courses while simultaneously receiving personal mentorship.
• Flip Rotation: Through this learning method, students are first introduced to concepts at home through online learning, and the same is discussed or practiced in offline classrooms.

Create customized learning patterns

Every student is different. They have different goals, different approaches and objectives towards learning. You can give them an opportunity for blended learning through online sources. You can assign individual or group learning projects. You can introduce your students to resources that best suit their interests. They get the advantage of studying at their own pace, at their own time, and also receiving face-to-face guidance through offline learning.

Use multimedia tools

The best part about digital education is that it is driven by creative and innovative learning methods. While the traditional book and pen are still celebrated, using multimedia tools like VR, case studies, audio-video, AR games, etc., has proven to complement their learning abilities. It helps build better recall and gives a chance for students to learn through interactive methods.

Assign online research and coursework

While the learning may occur in classrooms, you can give students a chance to go beyond their boundaries by assigning more online research, homework, and projects. This gives them an opportunity to learn independently, explore on their own, and use more digital resources to educate themselves.

Encourage independent learning

Speaking of independent learning, you can introduce students to concepts and information through offline learning and encourage them to use digital learning solutions for advanced learning. This helps you, students, to find your own direction and come back to the classrooms with a lot more information to ponder. Independent learning gives students the chance to build and follow a schedule on their own. During higher education, students tend to indulge in as many learning activities as possible. Independent learning will give them a chance to keep up with it at their own will and prioritize their choices better.

Hold both online and offline discussions

Digital learning is very diverse, and so are the interests of students. Encouraging them to share their offline and online learning in both environments will bring diversity to learning. Face-to-face and online discussions each have their own benefits. Different learning methods can help students figure out the ones that benefit them the most. Having open discussions about the same will make students discuss their concepts, doubts, and ideas in an offline classroom. This gives you a better vision of how to integrate blended teaching that helps your students in the best way possible.

Pearson’s digital learning solutions are designed for blended learning. Their resources include many learning methods that can be integrated into classrooms or the curriculum. It includes course books, question banks, mock tests, homework, and projects that students can pursue independently and discuss the same in the classroom. Their interactive learning comprises many practical case studies that give students an opportunity to enhance their critical thinking. Pearson’s digital learning solutions offer a wholesome experience of blended learning.

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Online learning has been around for a while now. But some would say that it got a massive push during the Corona times when classroom sessions turned into Zoom sessions. However, that is only a glimpse of the substantial potential of online learning. It is not limited to shifting from offline classes to online ones; it goes beyond that.

Online learning plays a crucial role in studying for the academic curriculum as well as the professional field. Since digital learning has been incorporated into the very early years of schooling, the scope of learning has expanded multifold. As the objective and discipline of learning change each year, it is no surprise that in today’s tech-savvy world, online learning solutions are the future of higher education.

To make the most of your academic years, it is beneficial to make optimum use of online learning resources. Here are the top five reasons why you should opt for digital learning solutions for higher education.

Reduced costs, increased flexibility

A lot of people consider online learning as their best option because it does not cost a fortune or costs relatively less than offline courses. Due to financial barriers, it might not be possible for everyone to get into prestigious universities or opt for the best offline institutes. However, that does not limit the scope of learning. Since there are a variety of online learning options available, it is possible to get access to the best education on a budget.

Online learning provides you with the freedom to learn at your own pace. You can learn things in the comfort of your own learning capabilities without the fear of lagging behind other students. You can visit and revisit your classes or get access to learning materials at any time and anywhere.

A wide selection of programmes

The Internet is a vast space and is not dominated by only a few academic disciplines. There are various courses with different objectives from which you can choose. You can opt for shorter or longer programmes depending on your plans. Digital learning is not bound by the idea of learning in only one discipline. You can choose multiple programmes that are either related or not related to each other. It all depends on your ability to consume and your willingness to learn.

Multi-tasking made easier

Many students in higher education prefer to start working in their chosen professional fields. It can be for the purpose of learning through internships, maintaining a lifestyle, or providing for your family. It is possible to carry on with your work and studies through digital learning.

You are free to pursue other interests which can or cannot be education-related. You can choose to travel and explore the world while learning simultaneously. Higher education is the academic year of experimentation. You can do that without the fear of missing out on learning, as you have unlimited access to your study materials in the comfort of your own time and palace.

Personalized learning experiences

Online learning has teachers and peers too. But it gives you a chance to create your own learning decorum. Online learning solutions are so diverse that you can choose or create your own learning methods and get access to various tools and materials that suit your needs the best. Everybody has a different approach to learning, and if you want to explore yours, you can do that with digital education.

It's easy to incorporate with offline learning

Many students who opt for learning online along with offline classes do so for many reasons, like accessing advanced learning or different study materials. If you get e-learning opportunities that align with your offline course, or if you want to learn about different streams of your interest, you can do so by easily integrating your offline and online learning. This not only gives you a chance to learn more, but you also get to go beyond the four walls of your classroom and learn from as many sources as you can.

Pearson’s digital learning solutions are designed to provide low-cost programmes that are suitable not only for students but also for educational institutes as well as their faculties. They have extensive learning materials that are driven by innovative learning methods to suit the diversity of students across the globe. They have a plethora of coursebooks, multiple educational disciplines, and virtual classrooms. Pearson’s digital learning solutions take you beyond traditional learning and introduce you to many other learning opportunities.

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The intimidation of appearing for an exam knows no discrimination. Every individual goes through it. And when you appear for an exam as competitive as the PTE, you are bound to go through phases of intimidation. You will try looking through various sources to get the best learning materials, discover every hack you can, skim through every question paper from previous years. This is an excellent strategy to learn and perform your best. But you should have a strict gatekeeping method to figure out which of these sources, tips, and tricks are reliable.

The PTE exam assesses your command of the English language. The qualification for this exam depends on your accuracy in listening, writing, speaking, and reading English. Irrespective of whether English is your first language or not, this can come across as a tough examination to clear. But does that mean you should hold back? No, it simply means you need to learn precisely and save yourself from the PTE myths floating on the internet.

Let’s bust some myths so you not only know the do’s of preparing for the PTE Academic but also know the don’ts.

1.  Backspace can make you lose score

When you are appearing for the writing format of the PTE test, you are bound to spare some time thinking, writing your answer, and through the process, you might want to change your answer or fix a spelling error. Don’t hesitate to backspace your whole answer if you have to, as it does not affect your final score.

What you have to be careful about is that you are thoughtful in your answer and that it is relevant to the question. You do not have to settle for an answer that you are unsatisfied with. If you have enough time left, you can always backspace and correct your entire answer or just the bits of it.

2.  Finish your answer long before the timer ends

PTE exam formats are time-bound. There’s no need to panic about it because you will have time to think about your answer. It doesn't matter if you finish your answer long before your timer ends or right on time. It will not affect your PTE score in any way.

However, you have to practise thinking and acting quickly. The time span to answer each question is limited but also enough. So, it is important to keep this factor in mind when you are for PTE Academic.

3.  Use complex vocabulary

This is a myth that not only prevails in the PTE examination but also in daily life. The goal of this exam is not for you to learn the most difficult English words or the most complex sentences. You have to be able to put your thoughts across in a non-colloquial language that is easy to understand.

You can add reading as an essential part of the PTE examination so you can enhance your vocabulary and learn its precise application. Don’t invest time in finding the difficult words because of the myth that they make you look smart. Communicating in simplistic and understandable language is the key.

4.  Accents help you score better

A PTE exam score can help you get a global job, a visa, or an academic opportunity. Hence, the myth is that if you are someone who knows many accents, you are bound to score better in the speaking format. But that’s not true.

To deliver an impeccable performance in the speaking round of PTE, you have to learn to speak clearly, pronounce words accurately, and have a subtle voice range that is loud enough but does not sound like you are screaming.

5.  Select all the options if you are confused

The format of the PTE MCQs depends on the sole idea of selecting one correct answer throughout the exam. If you are confused and do not know the answer to the question, selecting all of the options is not going to help you score in any way because you think that at least one of them is the correct one.

Take time to think, analyze, and then pick your answer. That’s the only way you can score on the exam. If you select all the options, that particular question will not be counted in your PTE score.

There are many ways you can prepare for your PTE exam. You can look through the internet to find study materials or learn from the alumnus of this examination. But one of the most reliable and certified sources is to get Pearson’s PTE Academic official coursebooks. They cover every aspect of learning and practising that you need to prepare for the exam. They also have mock tests that give you a taste of the official examination.

Learning the right way is the core to qualifying for PTE Academic. As a result, it is only prudent to study from reliable sources rather than fall prey to myths propagated by untrustworthy websites or study materials.

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Every examination generally has three phases of preparation. Learning comes first, followed by practising everything you've learned, and finally last-minute preparation. No matter how much you have studied or how well you have prepared, those last few days or the last few hours of preparation give you a morale boost. If you skip, then chances are that it might leave you worrying and wondering if you missed out on something.

PTE preparation needs to be given at least a few months time. It is an examination that tests your proficiency in the English language and opens your path to global opportunities for jobs, studies, and immigration.

Even if you are someone whose first language is English, you will need to set aside enough time to prepare for the PTE exam if you want to score high. Its qualification depends on how accurate your command of the language is and guages many of its technicalities, including grammar. Hence, it won’t be beneficial to rely on your daily communication language since it is not as accurate as the examination requires it to be.

Preparing with the right study materials can help you pass the exam with flying colours. And to boost your confidence even more, here are some PTE exam tips that you can follow.

1. Go over your notes

Throughout your PTE exam preparation, you have to make sure to take down notes about everything. You can make notes about topics that you are good at, topics that you are weak it, important information that you think you might need to glance at the last minute, note it all down. Make an excel sheet if you have to and keep it organized.

You can make vocabulary notes about new words you discover or words you find difficult to pronounce. Make sure to take notes of grammar lessons too. Keep everything simple enough to skim through and recollect the information.

2. Check your equipment

One of the factors that most PTE candidates neglect are checking their equipment and gadgets. Earlier, it was mandatory for candidates to appear for the exam only through the designated centre. But now, you can appear for the exam from anywhere if you have the resources. You will need a computer, a speaker, and a microphone.

No matter if you are giving the examination from the centre or from your home, check if all your devices are functioning properly. Especially your microphone or earphones. Since one of the rounds of the PTE test involves speaking, you have to make sure that your mic is not faulty so your answers are recorded correctly.

3. Do activities that calm you before the exam

Now, most candidates will think that this is not a part of the PTE preparation. But that’s not true. It is important that you are not only academically prepared but also mentally at peace to appear for the exam. Exams are bound to stress you but do not let them panic you.

Listening to songs, going for a frisk walk, talking to someone, or watching your favourite video are some of the things that can help you calm a few hours or minutes before you appear for your PTE examination.

4. Be well-rested

Exam stress cannot be avoided but it also should not be neglected. Do not exhaust yourself mentally or physically before your D-day. Eat well, sleep enough, and stay sharp because that your mind needs to do a lot of thinking for a couple of hours.

If you are not well-rested, you will be agitated, and that can negatively affect your PTE score. We don’t want that, do we? So, do not feel guilty to give yourself a good rest a day before your exam.

5. Appear for practice tests

Practice tests begin in the second phase of your exam preparation, but they must continue till the end. It helps to stay alert, to learn, and to keep your mind working. Plus, it helps you perform well in a time-bound examination that is part of PTE Academic. A few days or weeks before your examination, you should invest as much time as you can in appearing for unique practise tests. This keeps you competitive and you never stop learning.

Pearson’s PTE Academic coursebooks have all the practise test questions that you can ever need to prepare for the exam. They also have online tests which give you your score in 2 business days. Hence, you have enough time to gauge your performance and strategise your preparation further.

The purpose of these last-minute PTE tips is to help you achieve a well-rounded preparation. You should not solely rely on these and invest a good amount of time in studying from the relevant materials before you jump to last-minute preparations.

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The learning acquired in schools serves multi-dimensional purposes. It shapes your interests, future education plans, career plans, and personality. This cannot be accomplished solely through the school curriculum, but rather through a combination of academic learning and the development of life skills such as critical thinking.

What is critical thinking?

If you have already come across this term before, then you must know that this is a complex subject to discuss. But let’s try and break it down in the most simplified form. Critical thinking is the process of actively conceptualizing, analyzing, and applying the information gathered through observation, experience, or reflection. It relies on rationality and reasoning. Critical thinking is the ability to find solutions on the basis of evaluation, logic, and evidence.

Have you ever caught yourself in a moment where you have mugged up an answer to a question or a definition of a scientific phenomenon without clearly understanding its meaning and application? It does not take long for this one moment to turn into a habit. This might help you remember the answers, but your quality of learning is deteriorating.

Instead, if you choose to understand the definition, figure out its application and purpose, and go through some examples, you will not only remember the answer, but you will be learning consciously and expanding your knowledge. This is how critical thinking works.

Why should students have critical thinking skills?

There is a difference between memorization and learning. That difference is critical thinking. Everything you learn in school might have a practical implication in your professional life. You must have critical thinking skills in order to not just follow ideas or facts but to find the meaning and connection behind them.

It helps you form relevant arguments, find errors in reasoning, and synthesise solutions to problems. It is important that you develop this skill early in school because, as you move on, life gets tougher when you make choices like choosing a major in education or starting your own venture in the future. Critical thinking skills will be at the core of your decision-making.

How to increase critical thinking skills as a student?

1. Ask questions

It is often seen that students hesitate to ask questions in the classroom. It could be the result of a fear of speaking in public or of embarrassment. But don't hold back from asking questions that could help you learn better. Asking questions enhances your critical thinking in learning.

You can often wait for your class to finish before personally approaching your teacher and clearing up your questions. One question may lead to another, and that will further help in clearing your concepts. If nothing else, then you can always turn to the Internet and ask questions without being judged. Whereas when it comes to classrooms, here are a couple of questions that you may ask:

• Can you elaborate further?
• Can you give an example?
• Is there any other way to learn this?
• Can I use a different point of view?
• Can you explain this in a simpler manner?

2. Participate in discussions

Critical thinking skills for students can be developed through social experiences. If you get opportunities to participate in discussions, both online and offline, you must go ahead with it. This will help you come across different perspectives, it will introduce you to new information, you will face disagreements and more. It can give you a lot to think about and analyze. Plus, it helps you develop better communication skills.

3. Practice active learning

If you want to remember what you studied through understanding and not just by reciting it innumerable times, then you must practise active learning. It is a method of learning that is based on an experiential approach. Active learning can be achieved through group learning, case studies, demonstrations, visual learning, etc.

4. Study with the help of examples

It is easy to remember information through examples and stories as they reflect the practical implications. They contribute to mindful learning. Real-life examples, anecdotes, analogies, and facts help develop critical thinking skills.

5. Go beyond academic learning

The academic curriculum helps you lay the foundation for further learning. It is impossible to gather every piece of knowledge in the world or even on a particular subject. But if something strikes your curiosity, then go beyond your academic textbooks and indulge in more research and learning with the help of the Internet.

Pearson’s K12 education is focused on providing learning that helps students build critical thinking skills. It involves interactive learning activities and games that make education light-hearted and effective for students from pre-primary till class 12th. Pearson also offers support to teachers through its Active Teach and Comprehensive Teacher Resource Books. This helps teachers keep up with modern times and opt for innovative teaching techniques.

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No matter how much you dread exams as a student, they have a purpose of benefiting you in ways that you might not understand in your early school years, but they will help you go a long way in your future education and professional world. Not every student despises exams. Some very gladly look forward to it. The competitive spirit of the exams and the accolades followed by performing well in them are cherished by most.

The importance of good scores on school exams is not just limited to graduating to the next grade. It helps you build confidence, it gives you an opportunity for self-reflection, and you can gauge your potential. Acing your school exams with flying numbers feels rewarding and opens doors to many opportunities post-school.

Here are some exam preparation tips that you can rely on to perform well on your school exams. Even though every school year is different, you can ace every exam by constantly using these key strategies.

1. Know the exam paper pattern

Every subject has a paper pattern that gives you an idea of the weightage certain topics have. The paper pattern helps you evaluate which questions may or may not be on the exam paper. This is only to give you an outline of the question paper and the marks each format accounts for.

2. Focus on both your strengths and weaknesses

Your strengths and weaknesses could be across various topics in one subject or across all subjects. Keep track of it under both scenarios. Knowing your strengths will give you confidence, and knowing your weaknesses will help you understand what you need to work on the most. This way, you will invest time in subject areas that need more attention.

3. Use notes and flashcards

You can create separate written notes or highlight them in your books to refer to later. You can also use flashcards to improve your memory. This is one of the top exam preparation strategies as it effectively develops active recall.

4. Clear your doubts long before your exams

Do not let last-minute doubts fade your confidence. They are bound to occur. Hence, don’t be hesitant to take help from your teachers, friends, peers, or any fellow students. You can try to solve it on your own, but if you cannot, then make sure you figure it out sooner and get it solved before your exams.

5. Tutor other students

Tutoring your fellow classmates is like killing two birds with one stone. You get to help others as well as yourself. Teaching others is a good way to test your knowledge or do a quick revision.

6. Create a timetable

A timetable is of the utmost importance as it keeps you disciplined. You get to allocate your time to different activities in an organised manner. Make sure to create a timetable throughout your academic years and not just a couple of days before your exams.

7. Solve past year’s exam papers

Solving old question papers is a good way to practise what you have learnt. It gives you an insight into the kinds of questions that you can expect. You may come across some concepts that you missed out on or thought were not of importance. It’s a stepping stone in your exam preparation.

8. Make a list of important questions

You have to prepare every concept for your exams, but every subject has a set of important questions that you must put extra focus on. However, it is important to not neglect other topics and only depend on reliable sources for a list of important questions. It helps you narrow down your preparation and forms a hierarchy of topics based on their importance.

9. Make a list of formulas

Math and science are the two subjects in schools that have various formulas. It is easy to get overwhelmed by them. So, it would be helpful to note them down on a sheet of paper and refer to them while solving the questions. Gradually, you can memorise them and go through them for last-minute exam preparation.

10. Use online study materials if needed

Make the most of technology by looking for extra study materials. But you have to keep two things in mind. Firstly, give more importance to your textbooks and, secondly, only choose reliable online study materials. Don’t overburden yourself with different sources.

Pearson’s K12 offers a cohesive learning environment for school students. You can use their Active App to learn at any time, at your own pace. The Pearson Active App is suitable for every learning style. Its study materials are highly interactive, which makes learning fun. You also get access to their e-books and worksheets that will help you ace your school exams with flying numbers.

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