Rehearsal testing in a new way: modules, virtual assistant and points based on libraries

Rehearsal testing traditionally starts in Belarus in October. Its format is built into a clear coherent concept, a modular system is introduced. Registration for the first module will open very soon - on October 9, and from October 15, the RT points will start working. The director of the Republican Institute of Knowledge Control Dmitry Mironov told about what opportunities were created for applicants, the correspondent of SB Belarus Today.

Since the new season, RT is a single educational program that combines three modules. Previously, the stages existed separately (RT-1, RT-2 and RT-3), but now they will be part of the general rehearsal testing. The first module covers October, November and December, the second – January and February, the third – March and April. Applicants receive a full-fledged test, compiled according to the specification, that is, according to the same requirements and structure as the examination materials. Classic testing on paper forms is preserved. But there will be a kind of online insurance: if the applicant could not visit the RT point in person, at the end of each module, a similar test in the online format will be available to him. In addition to the general rehearsal of the CE (it will be held in late January), an additional opportunity to train is organized. In May, participants will be offered a comprehensive test. Another notable novelty: virtual assistant Rikzik will appear in the personal accounts of participants. He will accompany the student in each module. When preparing materials for Rikzik, experts analyzed the work of the chatbot launched last year, took into account the recommendations of the state commission and people’s proposals over the past three years.

- Our task is to minimize the loss of points of a technical nature, emphasizes Dmitry Mironov. One of the most common mistakes is filling out the answer form incorrectly. In addition, in mathematics testing, students sometimes paint a complete solution, although only the final result is required. Therefore, in each module, applicants will now receive clear recommendations on the design of answers in relation to a particular subject. All last year’s RT venues are preserved, and 14 new libraries will be opened in Minsk. This joint project was called “Let’s go to the library with RICK”. Exhibitions of educational literature will be organized in each library. The applicant will be able to immediately continue training, the expert notes. In libraries, testing will be carried out directly by RICZ employees, so the results will be processed twice as fast as in other points - in just five days instead of ten.

The cost of one RT this year will be about 14 rubles. For certain categories of citizens - disabled people, children from large families and others who enjoy a privilege when registering for the CG - a 50 percent discount is provided.

- To speak with applicants in the same language, we are actively introducing modern communication formats: we launch a virtual assistant, maintain an official account in TikTok. In social networks, we publish visual video instructions that explain organizational moments in simple language. At the same time, the content of the tests themselves remains under the strict control of experts. We develop tasks to the same standards as for CE. Experienced authors are involved in this work, and all materials undergo a strict review system. I want to emphasize that artificial intelligence is not used to compile exam tasks. Testing takes place on the original forms, which are 100% identical to the exam. The verification process completely duplicates the real CE assessment system, including triple verification and authentication. For each subject, the tasks are at least two or three authors, and the final version of the test is formed by random sampling using a special program.

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Another project in the plans is “Let’s take RT together”. One of the parents will be able to undergo rehearsal testing together with the child and test their own knowledge. While the lists of such items are at the stage of harmonization.

azanovich@sb.by