LANTITE is terribly daunting and downright stressful. Students who sit the LANTITE are often weighed down by the big probability that they won't be in the top 30% of the class results, and thus do not achieve the standard. If you're at all familiar with the concept of it, you'll know that it's likely one of the biggest roadblocks in your education degree. So how can you pass it, especially if it's your last attempt?
I'm a literacy LANTITE tutor and today, I'm sharing my top tips for passing your exam.
Tip 1: Don't wait until the last year of your degree
This is quite possibly the worst mistake you could make. You are setting yourself up for a miserable ride when you wait until the last minute to sit this all-powerful exam. Remember: even though you're doing a four-year degree, you cannot teach if you don't pass this test. So it's important that you get onto it quickly, and well before you're set to graduate. I would suggest getting this requirement out of the way in the second year of your degree - it's enough time for you to know whether or not you'll actually stick with this career choice, and short enough that you won't be pressed for time.
Tip 2: Know YOURSELF and how you learn
Okay, so my fellow teachers out there familiar with the current teaching standards will know exactly what I mean by this one. As a teacher, you're expected to know your students and how they learn. Sound familiar? It's an AITSL teaching standard. If you're going to be responsible for teaching potentially thousands of students over the course of your career, you need to also understand how YOU learn. It sounds obvious, but many people do not know their own learning style. This is a crucial aspect of studying, and all students (not just education students) should know their own mind. By knowing yourself and how you learn, you set yourself up for success and know which study methods will help you. It also saves you a lot of time that you might otherwise be spending trying to learn something in a way that doesn't suit your brain.
Tip 3: Have anxiety? Use it to your advantage
Little-know fact: if you can prove that you have a mental health disorder, either with a visit to your regular GP or psychologist, you can get extra time on your exam. That's right, folks. So if you're someone who knows they struggle with completing tests in a timely manner and you have a recognised mental health issue, you could balance the scales by receiving an extra 20, 30 or even 40 minutes on your exam. Applying for this extra time is easy - see your doctor, obtain a letter of confirmation, and pass this letter on to ACER AS YOU REGISTER. This option has an expiry date, so don't put it off.
Tip 4: Always have an action plan
Winging your study is never a good idea. Never. You should always be on some kind of schedule when it comes to studying for your LANTITE (it'll also make it a lot easier to see where all your times goes, and how to organise life accordingly). Before you go ahead and create this schedule, make a rough draft on your computer (or note on paper) of all of your commitments. This could be work, university, volunteer time or time you spend playing a sport. List them all down and calculate how much time you spend on each; when you do these things and how you do these things (you might learn a thing or two about yourself). Also ensure that you factor in travel time. Once you have all the information in front of you, go crazy - create your schedule in whatever visual style you enjoy, and be as practical and realistic as possible. Don't put down twelve hours of study on your day off when you know that that's just not going to happen. I recommend assigning each commitment its own colour, so scheduling will become easier to read over time.
Tip 5: Get yourself a study buddy or accountability partner
We all procrastinate. We just do. It's in our nature to only do the things that interest us or give us instant gratification - impulse purchases, for example. So sticking to your study plan and relying on your future self to stay responsible isn't a realistic plan. You want to make sure you have someone in your life to keep you accountable. This could be anyone - a parent, a partner, even your tutor. This person needs to be someone who can be real with you and give you a kick in the pants when you need it. At the end of the day, this is your fallback plan. When you're not feeling it, this person will step in to make sure you get the job done. Side note: there is a difference between procrastination and burnout. Know the signs and take time off when you truly need it. Don't be a hero.
Tip 6: Get your hands on a workbook
Something everyone studying for their literacy LANTITE needs is a workbook or textbook. You'll need to have a material that will consistently track your results and offer tips and advice. Only working on single reading comprehensions here and there will not benefit you. A great example is our Literacy Package, covering everything you need in a clear PDF.
If all else fails, or you're just not getting the results you want, book a tutor who can help you through these hurdles. It's important to have someone like a tutor by your side, ready to support and teach you at any moment. We answer your questions, give you a shoulder to cry on and offer you the best academic and mental advice we can.
I hope these tips helped! Above all, you need persistence, determination and discipline to get through this journey. Remember that we at Adelaide Top Tuition are always here to fulfil not only your intellectual needs, but emotional needs. Book a session or consult with us today if you're struggling.
See you next time!