What Challenges Do Students Face During ANBK?

Asesmen Nasional Berbasis Komputer (ANBK) is an important part of Indonesia’s education evaluation system. It is designed to provide information about the quality of education through several components, including literacy, numeracy, character, and the learning environment. The assessment is not simply about memorizing school materials because students are expected to understand information, reason, and apply knowledge to different situations. (anbk.kemendikdasmen.go.id)

For many students, participating in ANBK can still feel challenging. Difficulties may come from complex questions, limited time, computer skills, concentration, and anxiety. Understanding these challenges can help students prepare more effectively and approach ANBK with greater confidence.

UNDERSTANDING THE ANBK ASSESSMENT

One of the first challenges students face is understanding what ANBK actually measures. The Asesmen Kompetensi Minimum (AKM) focuses on reading literacy and mathematical literacy or numeracy, while the assessment system also includes the Character Survey and Learning Environment Survey. This means students need more than the ability to memorize formulas or textbook information. They must be able to understand texts, interpret information, reason logically, and solve problems in different contexts. (anbk.kemendikdasmen.go.id)

This format can be unfamiliar to students who are more accustomed to conventional classroom tests. ANBK is intended to capture essential competencies rather than test every part of the curriculum in detail. Therefore, students may need to change their study habits from simply remembering information to understanding concepts and applying them. 

DIFFICULTY WITH READING LITERACY QUESTIONS

Reading literacy can become a significant challenge because students may encounter texts that require careful interpretation. Questions can require students to identify information, understand meaning, evaluate statements, or draw conclusions from written material. Students who are not accustomed to reading longer or varied texts may spend too much time understanding the passage. The difficulty becomes greater when several pieces of information need to be connected before an answer can be selected.

Another challenge is distinguishing relevant information from unnecessary details. Students should not immediately choose an answer simply because it contains words similar to those in the question. Instead, they need to understand the relationship between the question, the text, and the available options. Regular reading practice can help students improve comprehension and become more comfortable with this type of assessment. 

CHALLENGES IN NUMERACY AND PROBLEM SOLVING

Numeracy is another area that can be difficult for students. ANBK does not simply require students to remember mathematical formulas, but measures their ability to use mathematical concepts, procedures, facts, and tools to solve problems in relevant everyday contexts. (anbk.kemendikdasmen.go.id) Students may therefore struggle when a familiar mathematical concept is presented through an unfamiliar situation.

For example, students may understand a formula but have difficulty deciding which information should be used and what calculation is required. Some questions may also include tables, graphs, measurements, or real-life scenarios that require careful interpretation. Building numeracy skills through practical problems and daily situations can make students more confident when facing these questions.

LIMITED TIME AND LOSS OF CONCENTRATION

Time management can also become a major challenge during ANBK. Students need enough time to read questions carefully, analyze information, calculate answers, and review their work. Spending too much time on one difficult question can reduce the time available for other questions. This can create additional pressure, especially for students who tend to work slowly.

Concentration is equally important because computer-based assessments require students to remain focused throughout the session. In the 2025 implementation schedule for several secondary education levels, the assessment sessions included reading literacy or numeracy alongside survey components, showing that students need to maintain focus across structured assessment activities. (Pusmendik) Practicing questions under realistic time limits can help students develop a more effective working rhythm.

ANXIETY AND LACK OF CONFIDENCE

Some students experience test anxiety before or during ANBK. They may worry about making mistakes, receiving poor results, or being unable to answer unfamiliar questions. Even when a student has adequate knowledge, excessive anxiety can make it harder to concentrate and process information. This is why emotional preparation is also important.

Students should understand that ANBK is designed to provide information about education quality and student competencies, rather than functioning like the former national examination as a direct graduation requirement. Official education sources describe the assessment as a tool for mapping and improving educational quality. (Pusmendik) Having the right understanding of its purpose can reduce unnecessary pressure and help students focus on doing their best.

UNFAMILIARITY WITH COMPUTER BASED TESTING

Another challenge is computer familiarity. Students who rarely use computers may need additional time to become comfortable with navigating an assessment platform, selecting answers, scrolling through content, or using available features. Although these actions may seem simple, unfamiliarity can distract students from the questions themselves.

Students can reduce this problem by practicing basic computer operations before the assessment. They should become comfortable with using a mouse, keyboard, scrolling, reading information on a screen, and navigating between questions. Schools can also help by providing opportunities for students to become familiar with the technical environment before ANBK.

DIFFERENCES IN STUDENTS LEARNING CONDITIONS

Students do not always have the same learning experiences or access to educational resources. Differences in school facilities, digital access, learning support, and study environments can affect how prepared students feel. The National Assessment itself considers the learning environment because educational quality is influenced not only by student outcomes but also by the conditions in which learning takes place. (Pusmendik)

For this reason, preparation should not depend entirely on expensive courses or additional materials. Students can build their skills through consistent reading, practical numeracy exercises, discussions, and computer practice using resources available at school or at home. Teachers and schools also have an important role in identifying areas where students need additional support.

HOW CAN STUDENTS PREPARE FOR ANBK?

The best preparation is consistent and focused practice, rather than studying intensively only a few days before the assessment. Students should regularly read different types of texts and practice identifying main ideas, supporting information, conclusions, and relationships between statements. For numeracy, they can practice interpreting graphs, tables, measurements, percentages, and everyday mathematical problems.

Students should also practice time management and computer-based questions. When encountering a difficult question, they should stay calm, understand what is being asked, and avoid spending excessive time on a single problem. Adequate rest, concentration, and a positive mindset are also important because preparation involves both academic skills and readiness to perform under assessment conditions.

CONCLUSION

The challenges students face during ANBK are not limited to difficult questions. Reading comprehension, numeracy, time management, concentration, anxiety, computer skills, and differences in learning conditions can all influence students’ experiences. Since ANBK focuses on essential competencies such as literacy and numeracy as well as character and the learning environment, students need to prepare through understanding and practice rather than memorization alone. (anbk.kemendikdasmen.go.id)

With regular practice, good time management, computer familiarity, and emotional preparation, students can face ANBK more confidently. The most important goal is not to fear unfamiliar questions, but to develop the ability to understand information, think critically, and solve problems effectively.