Well, it would go a long way to discovering the initial knowledge base of students, the better to craft future assessment.
A pretest can help you know how best to approach your students. It also gives you an idea of their knowledge base.
Hi Donna:
Yes. I've found students don't usually mind taking pretests because they're usually not graded. They do help the teacher plan, and give the student a "preview of coming attractions!".
Regards, Barry
Hi Luis:
Good example of a little different way a pretest can used, and the benefit to other students.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rhonda:
Right. It can also inform the teacher where they might have to adjust or modify their curriculum some, to better match their students level.
Regards, Barry
Hi Loren:
You've got a good approach there, especially that collaboration with your peer instructors. You're being proactive and student centered. Great!
Regards, Barry
Hi Joan:
Yes, the benefit is to the instructor in order to fine tune their curriculum to better match their students level. Students usually don't mind either because (typically) they are not graded for taking a pre-test.
Regards, Barry
If Proficiency testing is not a standard practice in the institution, then pre-testing can identify your high achievers, students with field experience, student's educational gaps, learning disability etc. This information in turn can assist the instuctor in developing the lesson outline, develop appropriate instuctional materials, selection of media that compliments lesson/presentation.
I love to use pre-tests to see where my class is. I do so on the very first day. It allows me to see where the gaps are in their learning. Sometimes if the pre-tests are very bad I might share them with the instructor that had the class before meand consult with them on specific students and their learning challenges. If the pre-tests are very good, I am able to teach through the foundations a bit more quickly, knowing that they already have the basics set.
Pretesting will help you prepare by knowing where your students knowledge base is strong and what they need to focus on.
It will let me know where each student is at and how to set up the groups for better learning.
Pretest in Culinary arts can be fun, it allows for Instructors and students to see where the rest of the class is, and it makes those nervous students feel a little more compatible.
Hi Summer:
I guess technically testing students at the end of a course would be post testing, but I get your point. Most teachers who pretest are interested not only in where their students are in relation to the knowledge level and preparation, but also they want to review what may need to be tweaked intheir curriculum to enhance the learning experience based on identified weaknesses in student performance.
Regards, Barry
Hi Gregory:
I think you're right on track. It helps students know about the course and the teacher plan for adjustments that may be needed.
Regards, Barry
I would use pre-testing as a form or review for what has been covered and will be included in future testing. Also, as a means of knowing where my students stand regarding their knowledge of the subject at the beginning of a new course.
Barry,
Pretests allow the instructor to gauge the students knowledge prior to beginning a course of instruction. Before you wind up "down in the weeds", the pretest can help determine how far you take an explanation or how much time is required to meet the goals of the course.
Hi Gregg:
Good points. The more students know about what's ahead for them the better prepared they will be to approach the learning and instruction that accompanies it.
Regards, Barry
Hi Micahel:
Pretesting does give insight into where the students are in their learning. Where it helps the teacher is in planning where adjustments or modifications are needed in the curriculum in order for the students to achieve the learning objectives and outcomes.
Regards, Barry
Pretests can gauge the level your students come to you with. When you know their level you will be able to decide what extra information you will need to build them up with to be better prepared to meet the needs of the course. Tests can cause a certain amount of anxiety in people...make sure your pretests do not scare the students off.
It will allow me to gauge the students level of understanding the material.
