How Can Parents Help Children Prepare for ANBK?

The Asesmen Nasional Berbasis Komputer (ANBK) is an important educational assessment in Indonesia that evaluates aspects of students’ learning and the quality of education. Preparing for ANBK is not only the responsibility of teachers and schools. Parents also play an important role in helping children develop good study habits, confidence, and readiness before the assessment.

Parents do not need to put excessive pressure on children to achieve high results. Instead, they can provide consistent support, a comfortable learning environment, and healthy daily routines. With the right approach, children can prepare for ANBK more calmly and develop skills that are useful beyond the assessment itself.

UNDERSTAND WHAT ANBK IS

Parents should first understand the purpose of ANBK so they can provide appropriate support at home. ANBK is part of the National Assessment, which is designed to provide information about the quality of education rather than simply determining whether an individual student passes or fails. The assessment includes components related to literacy, numeracy, and character, while the National Assessment also involves surveys that provide broader information about the learning environment.

Understanding this purpose can help parents avoid treating ANBK like an ordinary school examination. Children should be encouraged to focus on understanding questions, reasoning, and applying knowledge, rather than memorizing as many answers as possible. Parents can also ask teachers or the school about the assessment schedule, technical preparation, and learning areas that children may need to strengthen.

BUILD A CONSISTENT STUDY ROUTINE

A regular study schedule can make ANBK preparation more manageable for children. Parents can help children set aside a reasonable amount of time each day for reading, practicing numeracy problems, and reviewing lessons. The schedule should be realistic and adjusted to the child's school activities, energy level, and learning needs.

Consistency is generally more helpful than studying for many hours at once. Parents can divide practice into short and focused sessions so children do not become overwhelmed. A simple routine, such as reading for a few minutes and completing several reasoning questions each day, can gradually improve concentration and problem-solving skills.

IMPROVE READING AND LITERACY SKILLS

Literacy skills are important because children may need to understand information, identify key ideas, interpret statements, and draw conclusions from different types of texts. Parents can encourage children to read a variety of materials, including short articles, stories, informational texts, and educational content. After reading, parents can ask simple questions about the main idea, important details, or conclusions that can be drawn from the text.

Parents should avoid making reading feel like a difficult assignment. Discussing what children have read can make the activity more enjoyable while improving their ability to explain ideas. Asking questions such as what the text means, why something happened, or what evidence supports an answer can also encourage children to develop stronger reasoning skills.

STRENGTHEN NUMERACY AND LOGICAL THINKING

Numeracy preparation should not be limited to memorizing mathematical formulas. Children need opportunities to understand numbers, interpret data, recognize relationships, and solve problems in everyday situations. Parents can introduce simple activities involving money, measurements, schedules, percentages, graphs, or comparisons.

For example, children can calculate the total cost of several items while shopping or interpret information shown in a simple chart. These everyday activities can make numeracy practice feel more relevant and less stressful. Parents can focus on the reasoning process and ask children to explain how they reached an answer instead of only checking whether the final answer is correct.

PROVIDE PRACTICE WITH COMPUTER BASED QUESTIONS

Because ANBK uses a computer based assessment, children should become familiar with answering questions using digital devices when appropriate. Parents can provide opportunities for children to practice reading questions on a screen, selecting answers, scrolling through information, and managing their time. However, practice should be conducted safely and should not replace the guidance provided by the school.

Children who are less familiar with computers may feel nervous when facing a digital assessment. Regular exposure to basic computer activities can help build digital confidence before the assessment. Parents should also remind children to follow the school's technical instructions because the exact procedures and devices used during ANBK are managed by the participating school.

MAINTAIN HEALTHY DAILY HABITS

Good preparation also depends on children's physical and mental condition. Parents should help children maintain sufficient sleep, eat nutritious meals, drink enough water, and take appropriate breaks from studying. A child who is exhausted or overly stressed may find it harder to concentrate and process information effectively.

Parents should also avoid comparing their child with classmates or other children. Emotional support can help children feel more confident when facing challenging questions. Simple encouragement, such as reminding children to stay calm and do their best, can be more helpful than demanding perfect results.

REDUCE PRESSURE AND BUILD CONFIDENCE

Parents sometimes unintentionally make children anxious by repeatedly emphasizing scores or results. ANBK should instead be introduced as an opportunity for children to demonstrate and develop their literacy, numeracy, reasoning, and learning skills. Children need to understand that making mistakes during practice is a normal part of learning.

Parents can build confidence by appreciating effort, progress, and persistence. When children struggle with a question, parents can encourage them to examine the problem again rather than immediately giving them the answer. This approach teaches children to become more independent and confident when solving problems.

COMMUNICATE WITH TEACHERS AND THE SCHOOL

Parents should maintain good communication with teachers during the preparation period. Teachers can provide information about the school's ANBK schedule, technical arrangements, and areas where students may need additional support. This information allows parents to make their support at home more relevant and consistent with the school's preparation.

Parents should also inform teachers if children experience difficulties that affect their learning or preparation. Cooperation between parents, teachers, and students creates a stronger support system. Rather than taking over the preparation process, parents can complement the educational support already provided by the school.

CONCLUSION

The best way parents can support ANBK preparation is by creating a balanced environment for learning. Children need opportunities to practice literacy and numeracy, become comfortable with computer based activities, maintain healthy routines, and develop confidence. At the same time, they should have enough time to rest, play, and participate in normal family activities.

Ultimately, parents do not need to turn their homes into intensive test preparation centers. Support, encouragement, consistency, and communication are more valuable than excessive pressure. When children feel prepared and supported, they can approach ANBK with a calmer mindset while continuing to develop skills that are useful for their education and everyday life.