NESA Key Words

NESA KEY WORDS ("The Verbs")

By using the ALARM scaffold (the keywords/verbs), students are guided to compose more sophisticated written responses that will help them progress from a 

Band 4 or 5 to a Band 6 once in Year 12. 

All too often, students do not know how to move beyond a 'C Grade' paper that simply describes and explains. 

To get top marks, students need to be able to show analysis and evaluation of concepts. By using the ALARM framework, students will be able to confidently break down questions to determine exactly what is being asked and how to approach writing a higher order response. It also helps students to view learning as a process. It promotes deeper understanding by employing higher order thinking skills, such as analysis and evaluation, and it enhances student inquiry and reflection. 

ALARM helps students go from the level of content to the level of concept.