To see how many students have retained the information from the class before or to see if any of the new students have any background knowledge.
I feel it would help me understand and plan for the students attending my class. I would also know in advance who I may need to spend alittle more time with or watch their skills.
i like too use the pretests because it allows me to gauge where the students are in their course. most of the time, i have students in hands-on classes that are divided. meaning that some students have had phlebotomy, while others have not, and were in the skills class that teaches other things than phleb..
Pretest show areas of need among various students and allows me to plan effectively when making lesson plans.
I like this technique. It helps me tailor my instruction time so that my students will get more of what they need and I don't have to spend a lot of time on what they do not need.
Can be very effective! I can see many of the concepts that students are already familiar with and those that I need to teach!
I find that I often assume my students all came from a tech high school and know the basics. I have realized today that I need to take a step back and dont skip remedial skills
Hi David:
Another idea about using these is it gives us an idea what kind of learner the student is, thus making lesson planning more effective.
Regards, Barry
The pretest idea sounds like a great idea. The problem i see is how would i find the time time to teach stuff that was missed in earlier classes, in an already demanding class?
It established the level of learning for the students. The test would be used as a planning tool to develop lessons that will engage the students, yet not bore them, or surpass them in their ability to understand the content. They also give you a fundamental level of each student on an individual basis, so you know who may need the extra help.
That is a great use of pretests, I will have to try and incorporate them more myself.
A pretest is a good tool to determine at what level a student is; however, I feel it depends what the course of study is. Some students may be able to test at a higher level academically, but when it comes to learning a hands-on skill that requires somewhat of a new language, it may be a different story.
New material or beginning of the class is a very good tool to use.
It helps in all of my courses to not only gather a baseline but to ensure they grasp the concept of how the course relates to their topic field
Hi Adam:
I think you've found a great way to implement this valuable resource. Knowing where to put or remove emphasis is a great time saver.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kevin:
Pretesting has a number of uses and puposes. Comparing student progress (using the same test at the beginning and end of a course) to demonstrate how far students have come is an interesting motivator. Also, when I am unsure what the students know, a pretest helps me determine what requires emphasis and where I don't have to spend as much time.
Regards, Barry
pretests give you a basis of where your students are at in there knowlege of the subject. they will help the teacher decide where he/she need to start with the curriculum.
I have not tried this method, but I am interested, if anyone has done so with introductory economics classes!
Hi Rich:
Pretesting can also shed light on where to put emphasis in a class.
Regards, Barry
Hi Manuel:
When used, it can also save the teacher time in knowing where emphasis in a class is or is not needed.
Regards, Barry
