Pre-Test
I never thought of the pre-test method. This gives some really good information as to the direction the class may have to go, as well as it gives the student information on what they should already know in order to understand the content.
Mignonne,
This sounds like the primary method an instructor can use pretesting. Some students will also use the preview as an indication of what may be upcoming in the course, and plan ahead with their personal studies.
Barry Westling
I also apply the pre-test to my class and use it to filter out the students who are in need of extra help and guidance. It also gives me some indication on whether I'm reaching all the students and if not, I can change/adjust my teaching program to meet the needs of the students.
Doris,
I think you've idcentified two key areas that are among the chief reasons for doing pretesting. In the end, both instructor and student benefit.
Barry Westling
I think that when you give a pre-test the student is able to see immediately what they know about the subject. This also helps them to focus on the points that they don't understand.
For the instructor, they will be able to see where to start the discussion because if the class knows section A then they can move ahead to section B.
James,
I don't always pretest, but when I do, I gather helpful inforamtion that allows me to better plan my lessons based on the strengths that class already posseses.
Barry Westling
Wow. This is a big eye opener for me. I am new to teaching and I guarantee that I will be doing this in the near future. Nobody has ever mentioned it to me before, and I can't believe that nobody has. I wish I had gone through this class sooner as pre-testing could have helped me out many times already. I am learning so much here.
Alwyn,
I use the word assessment of prior knowledge, and students become more willing to assess. Also, I don't grade pretests, and students usually like that they can try their best without penalty of error.
Barry Westling
I am a big fan of pretest allows the instructor to see how much information did the class retain. With the findings from the pretest the instructor can plan some type instructional activity to improve scores if needed.
Khalid,
I like pretests especially when I'm unsure what prior learning the students have completed.
Barry Westling
pre test are good to evaluate the student learning of the subject
Jason,
Being sensitive to meeting the needs of our students is a skill and benefit to the students. Taking unnecessary time to cover material students already know is just less than effective use of time. Pretesting can help identify those (potential) areas, and also areas that may need more emphasis, at least more than initially planned.
Barry Westling
I think that a pre-test is a good idea. Especially in the career college setting, you will have very different student dynamics every time you teach a class. The pre-test provides an instuctor with the opportunity to mold the material in a way the best fits the learning skills of each individual class. It doesn't mean that the standards have to be lower, but it might mean that the instructor will have to be more thoughtful in delivering the material.
Sundeep,
Exactly, that's the benefit to the instructor.
Barry Westling
Pre-test are a great idea and it shows the instructor were their class needs help.
Mark,
There's a point of reality in your post. Pretesting is an option, a tool available for those that recognize it's value. I don't always pretest - only when I have no idea at all where my students prior knowledge lies. Where it's helpful is to me, in my planning, so as to use my time on the areas that need more emphasis or perhaps less emphasis. The students probably wouldn't even know any adjustments I've made. And to that degree, I 'll teach the material I've chosen is most valuable, for this class, at this time, with these dynamics.
Barry Westling
Okay...what happens when you have a course...the students have paid their money and your pre-test determines none of them have the pre-requisite knowledge to in your course. Or worst...they know everything you are preparing to teach. This is a difficult situation..I know that we usually end up between the extremes, but it still begs the question what to do with the outliers?
I think pre-test are dangerous and typically not worth the time we spend on them. You are going to teach what you have prepared and that is that. There may be opportunitites to have those students that are brilliant assist in the class and absolutely no chance to help the ones that shouldn't be there. You must teach to your standards regardless of the student's pre-test scores.
Thomas,
Pretesting helps the instructor the most. Students may also benefit by underswtanding "previews of coming attractions" which could help them prepare for upcoming class assignments.
Barry Westling
I also like the use of pretesting. It helps me with my lesson plans to see where I may need to concentrate more on some areas and less on others.
Richard,
Yes, pretesting is really a great tool, as it helps the instructor plan, prepare, and adjust the class to meet the specific needs of these students in this class at this time (which may be different from past or subsequent classes).
Barry Westling
