What Makes a Successful Reader or Scribe?

In schools, it is often the most vulnerable or high needs students that require readers or scribes in exams. The role is crucial in allowing candidates to gain the grades that their knowledge and skills deserve. Often in lessons, they may not receive such support due to the resources available to the school. Undertaking the role effectively in exams can literally have a life changing impact. So what does it to take to carry out this role effectively? Read our top tips below for readers and scribes. Scroll to the bottom to take our courses in this area, gain your certificate and start supporting children who really need a professional like you to be the support they deserve in their exam. Readers

1. Prepare Thoroughly: Familiarise yourself with the exam format, instructions, and any specific requirements provided by the exam board. Ensure you understand the candidate’s needs and any accommodations they require. Practice reading aloud various types of text to improve your fluency and clarity.
2. Stay Neutral and Unbiased: Maintain a neutral tone and avoid injecting personal opinions or interpretations while reading exam questions or instructions. Your role is to accurately convey the information provided in the exam materials without influencing the candidate’s understanding or response.
3. Be Clear and Articulate: Enunciate words clearly and at a steady pace to ensure the candidate can comprehend the information being read. Pay attention to pronunciation and emphasise key words or phrases when necessary. Speak in a natural tone to avoid causing unnecessary stress or distraction.
4. Remain Focused and Alert: Concentrate on the task at hand throughout the exam duration. Stay vigilant for any signs of fatigue or loss of focus, both in yourself and the candidate. Take short breaks if needed to maintain your concentration and ensure accurate delivery of the exam content.
5. Communicate Effectively: Establish clear communication with the candidate before, during, and after the exam. Encourage them to ask for clarification if they do not understand something you’ve read. Maintain a supportive and encouraging demeanor to help alleviate any anxiety or pressure the candidate may experience during the exam.

Scribes

1. Familiarise Yourself with the Exam Format: Before the exam, familiarise yourself with the format of the exam, including any specific instructions or requirements provided by the exam board. Understanding the structure of the exam will help you anticipate the type of tasks you’ll need to assist the candidate with during the exam.
2. Maintain Neutrality and Accuracy: As a scribe, your role is to accurately transcribe the candidate’s responses without adding any personal interpretations or biases. Write down exactly what the candidate dictates, without altering the content or meaning of their answers. Stay focused and attentive to ensure precision in transcription.
3. Practice Clear and Legible Handwriting: Ensure that your handwriting is clear, legible, and easy to read. Write at a consistent pace to maintain clarity and readability. If necessary, practice writing at a speed that allows you to keep up with the candidate’s dictation while maintaining accuracy.
4. Communicate Effectively with the Candidate: Establish clear communication with the candidate before the exam begins. Discuss any preferences or specific instructions they may have regarding the pace of dictation or any accommodations they require. During the exam, maintain open communication to clarify any uncertainties and ensure that you accurately capture their responses.
5. Manage Time Effectively: Be mindful of the time constraints during the exam and work efficiently to transcribe the candidate’s responses within the allotted time. Prioritise tasks and focus on capturing the most essential information first. If necessary, utilise abbreviations or shorthand techniques to expedite the transcription process without compromising accuracy.

Take our course here: https://community.opogo.com/courses/a-guide-to-being-a-reader-or-scribe/ and get started in a school to as a reader or a scribe.