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Preparing adults to take the CAEC test will require a different pedagogical approach than the GED® so candidates can develop more extensive skills, strategies and knowledge. To successfully complete the CAEC tests, candidates will need to do the following:
Navigate a complex online testing interface
Read and interpret digital texts such as emails and infographics
Apply more abstract and conceptual problem-solving processes when responding to test questions
Draw on more extensive background knowledge (candidates can no longer rely on reading comprehension to find answers in the text)
Manipulate a variety of online test-question types, such as drag and drop, direct entry, sorting and clicking on graphics.
To prepare adult learners, educators will need comprehensive knowledge of the digital, content and cognitive complexity changes. Each of the changes also requires a different instructional approach. Digital changes require targeted skill development, involving repetition and step-by-step guidance. Content changes require the acquisition of subject-based and more general background knowledge through reading and engaging in various online and offline instructional activities, including discussion. Cognitive complexity changes require specific thinking strategies to recognize what test questions are asking and how to respond, using modeling and explicit instruction.
Digital confidence
Digital confidence
The digitalization of the CAEC adds additional demands to the test-taking process, even though digital skills aren’t directly assessed. Digital changes mean test-takers will need to learn to
Navigate an online test on a sophisticated platform
Reformulate test-taking strategies for online testing
Understand how to respond to a variety of interactive test questions
Read texts and sources that are from online environments and
Compose online.
Use the sample tests and built-in tools to build relevant digital skills.
Content knowledge
Content knowledge
Content in the CAEC is unique in four significant ways, requiring candidates to do the following:
Read and respond to a range of topics that directly and indirectly reference Canadian content and knowledge
Build knowledge of facts and concepts, generally acquired as an informed citizen, to complete reading, science, and social studies test questions
Confidently draw on background knowledge and concepts, particularly in science and social studies, in order to respond to test questions
Read a variety of texts in digital environments, which often emphasize multimodal communication over more in-depth reading of print-based information.
Use the CAEC outcomes modified for instruction, high-quality open educational resources and a variety of instructional methods.
Test-taking strategies
Test-taking strategies
CAEC outcomes and test questions are organized by a framework that describes three levels of cognitive complexity.
Low complexity, focused on recall and reproduction
Moderate complexity, focused on the application of skills and concepts, and
High complexity, focused on strategic thinking.
Moderate complexity questions are emphasized on the test. That means, candidates will need to rely on more than recall and superficial reading comprehension strategies. They will need to build background knowledge, and then apply that knowledge to respond. They will also have to hone their close reading abilities (i.e. author’s intent, tone and accompanying language and punctuation conventions).
Use the sample tests and guided analysis of the cognitive complexity framework.
Develop your instructional approach with our practical tips and strategies.
Recommendations for digital instruction.pdfRecommendations for content instruction.pdfRecommendations for cognitive complexity instruction V2.pdfRecognizing, understanding and becoming comfortable with such extensive changes will take time and comprehensive professional support for adult educators. On-going professional development opportunities and resource development need to focus on helping educators develop teaching skills, strategies and knowledge.
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