How Can I Use the Basic Skills Module?

There are several ways to use the Basic Skills module. Below are the three most common approaches:

Situation 1: Self-Study and Portfolio Development

After completing the activation questions, students' starting levels become clear. This forms the basis for further training in the programme. The goal is for students to achieve 100% in all Basic Skills at the desired target level.

You can generate a report of the student's results yourself in the student monitoring system. For more information, see this article: Where can I find the practice results of my students?

How to get started:

1. Let the students first choose the desired target level (3F or 4F for Dutch, or B1, B2, or C1 for English).
2. Let the students complete the activation questions.
3. They can then work towards 100% in each subject.
4. Over time, review the results in the student tracking system.
5. Optional: Let the students write a reflection report.
6. Once the student has achieved 100% for all subjects (and optionally a passing grade for their reflection report), the module is successfully completed.

Situation 2: Self-Study and Summative test

After completing the activation questions, students' starting levels become clear. This forms the basis for further training in the programme. It is up to the student to prepare thoroughly for the summative assessment. The institution determines which level will be assessed and the grading criteria, with Hogeschooltaal providing a standard.

The programme offers summative assessments at all mentioned levels and also provides practice tests for these levels, available in the practice environment. These tests are based on the same test matrices as the official assessments, allowing students to use them as a measuring tool before taking the summative assessment.

Once students pass the summative assessment according to Hogeschooltaal’s standards, you can award an official Hogeschooltaal certificate. The standard for Dutch assessments is: at least 80% for the verb spelling component and at least 80% average across the four Basic Skills components. For English, a minimum of 80% overall is required at all levels.

How to get started:

1. Schedule the summative assessment in advance.
2. Schedule an intake test and let students complete it.
3. Let students complete the activation questions and prepare for the test by working in the practice environment.
4. Monitor students’ practice behaviour and encourage them to keep practising for the summative test.
5. Students can prepare by taking practice tests in the programme or you can schedule a formative test.
6. Students take the summative test on the scheduled date and time. After the test period, students have 24 hours to review their results.
7. You can print the results immediately after the test from the student monitoring system.

Situation 3: Self-Study, Lesson Integration, Portfolio Development, Summative test

The method of implementation is a key indicator for determining academic success, where good guidance is essential. Situation 3 is therefore the most effective approach, leading to significantly higher results. For self-study, portfolio development, and summative test, the previously described approach applies. Hogeschooltaal can be integrated into lessons by having students work independently and providing additional explanations on the components they struggle with. Classroom time can also be well spent on conducting formative tests and evaluating them.

How to get started:

1. Schedule the summative test in advance.
2. Schedule an intake test and let students complete it.
3. Let students complete the activation questions and prepare for the test by working in the practice environment.
4. In lessons, students work independently in the programme for half of the time. The remaining time can be used to answer submitted questions, let students complete a practice test, or teach about theoretical issues.
5. Monitor students’ practice behaviour and encourage them to keep practising for the summative test.
6. Students can prepare by taking practice tests in the programme or you can schedule a formative test.
7. Students take the summative test on the scheduled date and time. After the assessment period, students have 24 hours to review their results.
8. You can print the results immediately after the test from the student monitoring system.

Did you know we also have a comprehensive Writing Skills module? For more information on using this module, see the article: How can I use the Writing Skills module?