As we continue our commitment to fostering excellence in education at Merchiston International School (MIS), we believe it is essential to keep on track with the most effective tools and strategies to support your child's learning journey. One way in which we do this is to provide CEM testing for all Senior students.
What is CEM testing?
CEM, which stands for the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, is an organization, operated by Cambridge, specializing in educational assessment. CEM tests are designed to measure a wide range of skills and abilities in students. These tests offer valuable insights into a student's cognitive abilities, academic progress, and areas that may require additional attention. At MIS, we have incorporated CEM testing as a valuable tool to help tailor our teaching methods to suit the unique needs of each student.
By organizing for students to participate in a short online test, we a re able to gather data to assess a variety of cognitive skills, including verbal, non-verbal, and numerical reasoning, which are essential for success in academics and beyond. These tests also gauge a student's ability to think critically, solve problems, and apply knowledge in real-world situations. By measuring these skills, CEM testing provides a holistic view of a student's academic potential and helps us identify their strengths and areas that may need improvement.
Once we have gathered this information, at MIS we are able to tailor our teaching methods to address the specific needs of each student. By understanding a student's cognitive abilities and learning preferences, we can create a more personalized learning experience. This approach fosters student engagement, enhances academic performance, and helps build the skills necessary for a successful future.
In addition to supporting students at school, parents and family members play a crucial role in their child's education, especially in developing reasoning skills. This can be done in a variety of way:
1. Encourage Curiosity
Foster a sense of curiosity and wonder in your child. Encourage them to ask questions, explore new topics, and seek answers independently.
2. Read Together
Reading with your child is one of the most effective ways to develop reasoning and critical thinking. Discuss the story, characters, and plot to encourage analytical thinking.
3. Puzzles and Brain Teasers
Engage in puzzles, brain teasers, and board games that challenge your child's thinking. These activities make learning enjoyable while enhancing problem-solving skills.
4. Real-World Application
Encourage your child to apply their knowledge and reasoning skills to real-life situations. Discuss current events, scientific discoveries, or ethical dilemmas to stimulate thoughtful discussions.
5. Promote Independent Learning
Give your child the opportunity to explore topics of interest independently. Provide access to educational resources and encourage self-directed research.
6. Encourage Debate
Promote healthy debates and discussions at home. Encouraging your child to articulate their thoughts and opinions helps develop reasoning and communication skills.
7. Learning Support
Stay engaged with your child's education and communicate with teachers regularly. Understand their strengths and areas where they might need additional support.
8. Be Patient
Developing reasoning skills takes time. Be patient and provide positive reinforcement for their efforts and accomplishments.
To sum up, CEM testing is a powerful tool that enhances our ability to support your child's educational journey. By measuring cognitive abilities and learning preferences, we can provide a more tailored and effective learning experience. Combined with your active involvement as parents, we can help your child develop strong reasoning skills that will serve them well throughout their academic and personal lives.
At Merchiston International School, we are dedicated to working in partnership with parents to provide the best possible education for your child. We appreciate your trust and support in our commitment to excellence in education.
Regards
Mark Bridgeman
Head of Seniors
