Testing times

By Itsarin Tisantia
Photos courtesy of Bangkok Post

The National Institute of Educational Testing Service (NIETS) cancelled the A-NET exam in 2010 and the following year replaced it with the new GAT and PAT exams.

This week’s Exercises take a look at the latest national testing systems to help local students understand more about their upcoming exams.

TEST TROUBLES

The Ordinary National Education Test (O-NET) annually assesses the academic performance of schoolchildren at the levels of Pratom 3 and 6 as well as Matayom 3 and 6.

The O-NET exams are intended to measure pupils’ academic performance and to help them prepare for higher education, while the Advanced National Education Test (A-NET) was previously used a the nationwide university entrance examination.

However, the A-NET exam, which covered 11 academic subjects, was negatively criticised for its ambiguous questions and improper questions about sex education. As a result, the new General Aptitude Test (GAT) and Professional and Academic Aptitude Test (PAT) were designed to replace the A-NET.

NEW AND IMPROVED

The GAT and PAT are aimed at measuring Matayom 6 students’ potential for studying at university. The two tests are conducted three times a year.

The GAT covers two main parts. The first part measures students’ abilities in reading, writing, critical thinking and problem-solving. The second part focuses on English communication skills.

The PAT assesses seven areas of knowledge, including mathematics, science, engineering, architecture, fine and applied arts, educational professions and foreign languages, each of which is subdivided into two minor parts.

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Exercises

Read the story. Then, answer the following reading comprehension questions.

1. How many areas of knowledge does the PAT exam cover?
2. Who canceled the A-NET exam?
3. How often are the GAT and PAT exams conducted each year?
4. The A-NET exam was cancelled partly because it contained inappropriate questions about sex education. True or false?