Resources for Learning Centres / Home Education

If kids or adults have got switched off from the core subjects then this will cause real problems with reintegration back into mainstream education.

One site I have used with a good deal of success is the edexcel test site. Level 1 in application of number and communication tests are worth 1/4 of a GCSE each and Level 2's Worth 1/2.

This is the link for some edexcel practice tests

The maths paper is a non calculator test, but candidates are allowed to use a pen and paper to help work out answers and this I believe is in some way key to building up the learners confidence. If the learner has a reasonable understanding of percentages, averages (mean, median, mode and range), fractions, ratios, area, scale and basic algebra then the level one test should be quite easy. If they do not but they do have a reasonable ability to work with numbers then it can be relatively easy to teach them the above concepts to a level needed to complete the level one test.

For the level 2 test a greater understanding of the above mentioned concepts are needed, but in working with the learner to solve problems with paper and pen that they previously thought to be unsolvable can be greatly rewarding for both them and you.

The beauty of the level 2 test is that problems appear quite tricky at times, but if broken down into a number of mathmatical stages, really are not too bad. In order to guide a student through learning the skills needed to complete one of these tests, to me it seems important to first have a good understanding of each question and an entusiasm for explaining how to solve it in the easiest way possible. Almost help the kids to feel like they are cheating by using your hints and tips.

With both testsget the learner to take their time to check each possible answer. They are multiple choice so getting them to look past the first answer they think is right and eliminate the others for sure can be tricky, but again is another life skill that is too good not too pass on.

I work hard with pupils to get them to realise that they are giving their brain a work out and are learning new skills that could change their future. It is often this enthusiasm and guidance that can tip the balance from them saying stuff is hard and they hate doing it to them becoming excited and motivated about the small measurable, achieveable, realistic targets (smart) that they are hitting.

U2Learn.com our free learning and revision site has plenty of other free and fun links to help inspire and guide learning. Please explore our site to find which resources out on the web could help you and your learners progress.

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