Centralized tests: The importance of psychological preparation and results analysis
The education system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing radical transformations aimed at raising the efficiency of educational outputs in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. In this context, centralized tests as a crucial standard tool for controlling the quality of education, as a group of educators and specialists confirmed that these tests represent a qualitative leap in assessment mechanisms, going beyond the traditional concepts of school tests towards broader horizons that rely on accurate diagnosis, fairness and objectivity.
The importance of shifting towards centralized testing
Educational experts agree that standardized tests are not merely a tool for measuring grades, but a strategic means of accurately diagnosing learning gaps. In their remarks to Al-Youm newspaper, they explained that the success of this system depends entirely on the integrated roles of the school and the family, starting with technical and academic preparedness and extending to psychological readiness, which is the cornerstone of enabling students to perform confidently and competently on the tests.
In this regard, educator Noura Musleh Al-Maliki that schools handled this assessment with a high degree of responsibility by forming organizing committees to ensure a stable testing environment. She emphasized that meticulous organization contributes to reducing student stress levels, stressing that the results serve as a diagnostic tool for developing collaborative intervention plans with parents.
Psychological preparation and skills development
For his part, mathematics education specialist Dr. Badi Bin Qwaid that preparing for centralized tests requires a careful balance between organizational aspects and psychological support.
Dr. Badi bin Qwaid
“Ben Qwaid” explained that activating formative assessment makes the test a familiar practice for the student, which reduces the fear of the situation, noting that the results help to enhance strengths and effectively bridge educational gaps.
In a related context, teacher Hamed Al-Wadaei that the educational process seeks to unify measurement standards nationally and internationally.
Hamed Al-Wadaei
Al-Wadaei explained that the experienced teacher plays a pivotal role in preparing the student in terms of skills and knowledge, taking advantage of the technological transformation and educational platforms, to ensure that students are ready for the challenges of the times.
Measurement standards and fairness in evaluation
Regarding the technical aspects of the tests, measurement and evaluation specialist Nasser Al-Saqr that the centralized tests are characterized by “validity and fairness” because they rely on unified standards that eliminate individual biases.
Nasser Al-Saqr
Al-Saqr stressed the need for parents to be aware that these tests are not a means of pressure, but rather a tool for developing skills and addressing weaknesses in a wide segment of students.
This was confirmed by teacher Faten Al-Shadawi , who pointed out that centralized tests are more accurate in measuring real learning outcomes compared to traditional tests.
Faten Al-Shadawi
Al-Shadawi added that the focus of these tests is on understanding and basic skills instead of memorization and rote learning, which requires prior preparation for students to familiarize them with the nature of the questions.
Scientific foundations and development of treatment plans
Dr. Amira Saad Al-Zahrani, Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, confirmed that centralized tests are built according to high psychometric properties that ensure stability and reliability.
Dr. Amira Saad Al-Zahrani
She explained that dealing with results professionally contributes to building development programs that raise the quality of the entire educational process, calling for the adoption of a motivational approach instead of intimidation.
Teacher Ghada Al-Sharif the integration between school and centralized tests, as the former allows for consideration of individual differences, while the latter achieves standardized fairness.
Ghada Al-Sharif
Al-Sharif pointed to the importance of developing future measurement tools to include higher-order thinking skills, while providing effective feedback to students.
The difference between cognitive achievement and skills measurement
In a key comparison, teacher Sanaa Al-Qahtani that school tests often focus on short-term achievement, while centralized tests measure real and sustainable learning outcomes.
Sanaa Al-Qahtani
Al-Qahtani explained that training students on simulation models contributed significantly to reducing anxiety, stressing the importance of raising family awareness about the objectives of these tests.
Partnership with family: The key to success
Parent Ali Abdulrahman Al-Salem by emphasizing that the clarity of vision provided by the schools contributed to reassuring families.
Ali Abdulrahman Al-Salem
Al-Salem pointed out that centralized tests are a pioneering step towards educational justice, stressing the role of the home in organizing time and encouraging children to have a deep understanding of the curriculum content instead of superficial memorization, which enhances the chances of success of this pioneering national experiment.
