Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Sean, A pretest can be performed many way, even just an "round-the-room" oral Q&A can yield information. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Cathy, Perfect example of a good use of pretesting. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Glenn, You are correct. In some classes, based on pretest results, I have divided the class into groups so that my direct interaction with each group is more specific to their level of performance and comprehension. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Philip, As an aside, I stopped using the term "test" and now only refer to "assessment, check for understanding, or progress measurement. This has reduced some of the anxiety that usually occurs with tests, and helps remove barriers to the assessment process. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Dawn, One way is to approach pretesting is to select what is considered necessary operational skills desired by course end, using course objectives as a guide. You'll probably find most students will fall somewhere in the middle, with some above and below the mean. But that mean will vary between classes, and that should help determine your game plan for lessons. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Adam, Great! When we can individualize our instruction for specific student needs, the outcome will only be improved. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Rick, You are right. Giving the same or similar post test as the first pretest really shows progress and usually adds to the students confidence level. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Using pretests as planning tools

Ryan, One interesting way is to use one or more situational sets. For instance, for math, one might incorporate two or three key problems that will be needed for the class, but put it into a situation, a story of sorts (an extension of the word problem). What I know for sure is students like stories and they learn better when a story accompanies the lesson. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Selecting sufficient course content

Salma, I once made a vertical checklist of the many ways I could deliver my message using different modes. Across the top vertical listed the core topics in columns, as in "Introduction", Main Points" "Summary", etc. I used this model for every lesson. It helped remind me when planning each lesson that that are always new ways or variations of giving good, interesting lessons. Barry Westling

Barry Westling

Discussion Comment

Reengaging off-task students

Gwen, These are good ideas. It makes wonder if what we do to reengage students is effective, why don't we do those same activities from the get go? Barry Westling