A group of Jamaican graduate students have launched an online Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) website, that will give schoolchildren access to more than 4,000 English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies practice questions.

The student training system at www.GoGSAT.com, features timed practice tests to build students familiarity with the material and the test-taking process.

The site also features a real-time online grade book that identifies the students weaknesses and strengths, allowing them to focus on the areas that most need improvement. And for the crucial English exam, it provides a detailed review of the essential knowledge areas, including punctuation, word prefixes, and synonyms.

In addition, tips are provided to enable students to develop skills to answer the various question types, and detailed test strategies are provided for both parents and students.

“We are very excited to provide Jamaican students with this opportunity to improve their chances on such an important test,” said Shalette Ashman-East, who spearheaded the project.

There is no limit to the number of times a student can attempt each of the many practice tests in each subject area. In addition, tips are provided to enable students to develop skills to answer the various question types, and detailed test strategies are provided for both parents and students.

In a statement to the press, the team at GoGSAT explained that all the questions were contributed by a team of authors, whose textbooks are currently in use in primary, all-age and prep schools in Jamaica.

“In developing the site, the designers adhered carefully to the GSAT curriculum developed by the Ministry of Education Youth and Culture,” the group said.

Technological infrastructure for the system is provided by the Institute for Mathematics and Computer Science, an educational research institute based in South Florida.

“We’ve undergone many weeks of pilot testing, and we’re delighted with the response now that it is widely available,” Ashman-East said.

Ashman-East knows the importance of encouraging young students to succeed.

One of five brothers and sisters, she grew up in the inner city. Her parents, however, made sure she stayed focused on school work. After attending Merl Grove High School she enrolled at the University of Technology where she obtained a diploma in computing.

Since then she has been operating a computer school for adults and children, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Technology in Education.

“My mission now is to help the next generation of Jamaican students maximise their potential,” she remarked.

In developing an online training resource for the GSAT exam, she believes she has found a way to make a difference. “We will be taking online learning to the next level for Jamaican kids,” she stated.

Registration is available online and requires a one-time fee of US$99 for one year of access.

Aproximately 50,000 students will sit the GSAT on Thursday, March 30 and Friday, March 31, 2006.

Ashman-East can be reached by email at admin@gogsat.com.