How does adaptive testing in the ISEB Pre-Tests work?

Key points:

• Adaptive testing provides a tailored, accurate assessment for each child. 
• The ISEB Pre-Tests are not speed tests; accuracy and consistency are far more important than the number of questions answered. 
• High scores can be achieved even with some incorrect answers. 
• There is no skip or back button. Each question must be answered. 

You may have heard the term ‘adaptive’ used to describe the ISEB Pre-Tests, but what does that term really mean? How is an adaptive test implemented, what does it look like, and how is it assessed? Our Pre-Tests expert Sophie has broken these questions down for you.

What is an adaptive test?

An adaptive test is one where the questions are tailored to the pupil. This means each child is shown questions based on their in-test performance, which ensures that the difficulty remains at the right level so that each child can perform to the best of their abilities, without losing confidence. In an adaptive test, pupils may be presented with different numbers of questions than other children, but this ensures the test remains the right length for each child.

How do adaptive tests work?

The Pre-Tests use an algorithm to tailor the tests to each child’s ability level, and provide an accurate score while minimising the test length. 

Each test section contains multiple question pools covering various topics, each with a minimum and maximum number of questions. After the pupil answers a question, the next question is chosen to best match their ability. Pupils who answer questions correctly are gradually tracked to harder questions. Those who consistently answer incorrectly are tracked to easier content. 

However, if a child answers inconsistently and makes some errors with early questions due to nerves, for example, they can still achieve a very high score if they settle down and start to get questions right, unlike a static test where any errors will reduce the final score. Being tracked to easier content at the beginning can help settle nerves and enable anxious pupils to perform according to their ability. Research shows that this kind of adaptive test can provide more accurate scores than a standard test while needing fewer questions to be answered.

The number of questions a child answers does not directly correlate with their score. Each question’s value is weighted based on its difficulty and the child’s performance. High scores can be achieved without answering the maximum number of questions. The algorithm aims to determine a child’s level with a high degree of certainty.

How are adaptive tests scored?

Scores are based on the difficulty of the questions the applicant sees and whether they answered correctly. When transferring the score for any individual test taker, their results are compared with those of pupils the same age. This means that there is no advantage for older children or disadvantage for younger children because of the different time spent learning and developing.

FAQs:

Should I push my child to complete as many questions as possible?

No. The Pre-Tests scores are not calculated based on the number of questions answered during the test, or unlocking ‘harder’ questions. The Pre-Tests are designed to value and assess the accuracy of your child’s answers, so the algorithm can quickly assess their ability level and then tailor the test to their performance, not to encourage them to rush to complete as many questions as possible. All candidates will be able to see ‘harder’ questions, but the adaptive algorithm will ensure they do not get stuck in an area they are not adept in, so as to not knock their confidence and limit their overall potential performance.

If my child answers some questions incorrectly early in the test, will they be marked down?

No. The Pre-Tests algorithm looks for a sense of consistency over time. If your child makes a mistake early in their test but continues to consistently answer questions accurately afterwards, the adaptive algorithm will gradually overwrite their earlier mistake. 

Is there a skip or back button?

There is no ‘skip’ or ‘back button’ option when taking the Pre-Tests because the test assesses how consistently your child can accurately answer questions. A skip or back button would not allow the algorithm to assess your child’s ability and knowledge accurately. 

Learn more…

ISEB CEO Julia Martin and Pre-Tests expert Hayden Wood further discussed how adaptive testing works and answered live questions from parents in our webinar, Preparing for the ISEB Pre-Tests: Tips and insights to support your child.

Watch this free webinar for more advice on adaptive testing, plus insights from Dr Kathy Weston, parenting and well-being expert, and Henry Faber, co-founder of Oppidan Education. 

FURTHER SUPPORT

Visit the ISEB Families Hub to access an ever-growing resource of information, support and guidance for families. For specific information about the ISEB Pre-Tests, visit the ISEB Pre-Tests Information for Families page on our website, where you will find exam resources, information and FAQs, as well as important news and updates.