The National Bench Mark Test (NBT) is an admission requirement for first-year students into higher institutions of learning in some countries. It is designed to assess the academic readiness of students for university-level work. Here are two purposes of the NBT:
1. To provide a fair and objective measure of academic preparedness: The NBT is intended to provide a standard measure of the academic skills and knowledge that students are expected to possess upon entering university. This helps to ensure that students who are admitted have the necessary skills to succeed in their courses. By assessing critical thinking, quantitative literacy, and writing skills, the NBT aims to provide a fair and objective assessment of students' abilities, independent of their background or previous educational experiences.
2. To help identify areas of weakness and provide support: The NBT also serves as a diagnostic tool to identify areas of weakness in students' academic skills. Universities use the results of the NBT to identify students who may need additional support in certain areas, such as writing or mathematics. This allows universities to provide targeted interventions, such as tutoring or academic support programs, to help students succeed in their courses. By identifying areas of weakness early on, the NBT can help prevent students from falling behind or dropping out of university due to academic difficulties.
Overall, the NBT serves as an important tool for assessing and improving the academic preparedness of students entering higher education. By providing a fair and objective measure of academic skills, and identifying areas of weakness, the NBT can help ensure that students are well-prepared for the challenges of university-level work.