Great idea to start a class as long as it is given in a non-stressful manner. It is good to explain to students first that it is designed to help you in teaching them- not a graded exam.
Hi Lisa:
I agree about giving confidence and experience.
Regards, Barry
Hi Ellen:
Great. Pretests, although taking a bit more time, can really assist an instructor in their planning and making adjustments (fine tuning() their course.
Regards, Barry
Hi Avalokita:
So, in essence, it's a planning tool for you and benefits the students as well. Good deal!
Regards, Barry
Hi Dr. A:
I don't have time for pretesting every class or topic. It does help wihen I begin a new topic for me, or when I receive new students. They seem to like it and it can provide a kind of motivation in what is coming up in subsequent lessons.
Regards, Barry
Pretesting allows an instructor to understand the learning levels of each student. This can then be matched up with the course content to make sure that the two are in alignment. Also, an assessment of learning styles can be conducted to determine how to present the course content.
Pretests allow the instructor the opportunity to measure student knowledge so that he/she can better deliver course content. For instance, as an English instructor I like to begin each term with an in-class diagnostic essay that asks the students to respond to a generic prompt, but allows me the opportunity to read a sample of their work and re-format my delivery/instructional method, if needed, so that I am able to effectively deliver the course content to all students.
Hi Rocco:
Yours and the students expectations level as determined by pretesting is a great way to establish how best to approach a class and its topics from the beginning. An inhanced stdent experience indeed!
Regards, Barry
Pretests give instructors a starting point. We sometimes assume that students are coming into our classrooms with a certain level of experience or knowledge that just not be realistic. The instructor can then determine how best to deliver the curriculum without frustrating or alienating students who don't have the prerequisite information. We are encouraging all of the faculty to do these pre-tests in addition to have students write down what they expect from the course and describe how they learn best. This information can be used to enhance the student experience.
Pretests can help an instructor plan for their class. Pretests asess students prior knowledge and can help focus on specific areas the instructor may need to concentrate on in order to ensure student success. Because students come to class with a variety of backround and educational experiences pretests can be an invaluable tool for the instructor.
Pre-testing can help students to know which areas they need the most focus, and gives them experience and confidence in taking tests. For teachers, it helps highlight areas where their students might need more help.
Hi Dana:
Right! And when we learn where the students basic level is, we can then adjust, modify, or tweak our curriculum so we are assured we will meet thei predermined needs.
Regards, Barry
Hi Denise:
Yes! As a planning tool, pretesting can really save time - which should result in increased efficiency.
Regards, Barry
pretesting students will allow teachers a baseline on where the students are.
Pretests can help you to know where to begin and what you need to focus on more in the class. It allows you to use the teaching time more effectively and efficiently.
Hi Rebecca:
Great! When you're focusing on your students in this way, you using the tool to maximize the classroom experience.
Regards, Barry
Hi Wendy:
Very practical use for pretesting! I like to see where the students are currently performing, then use that as as a planning tool to help me tweak the course to best meet my students needs.
Regards, Barry
Hi Julie:
Although not needede for every class, and they take extra time, the benefits to pretesting are mryiad, many you've aluded to.
Regards, Barry
I have a small class so I try to gander each students learing style and organize my presentations for the majority of either auditory or visual learners. Pretesting allows me to evaluate my students subject knowledge.I give the vocabulary as a review if most of rhe students tested well, other wise I give a few words per class meeting.
Pretesting can help with instructional planning by having a better understanding of the basic knowledge the students already possess. I currently ask the students to fill out form with previous experience in the medical field listed. I found in the past that students had already taken the course or had as much as five years experience and wanted to get an accredited certificate. These students posed a problem in the class as they repeatedly talked during lecture and complained they already knew this information. I was not informed of their experience until the end of the module.
