I give a pretest on the first day of class. No grade is assigned to this pretest assignment. Giving a pretest can help me with my instructional planning. It enables me to identify the strength and weakness of every student. I can adjust the level of my course instructions
Good idea. I will try that. I have not used pretests this term but plan to with a new class starting in October.
Hi Cynthia:
When I've given pretests, I makje them non-graded so the student is under no pressure to stress out over taking a test and more likely to focus on the material. Sometimes, I'll conduct the same test after the material has been covered, as an encouragement to show how far they've come.
Regards, Barry
Hi William:
Good example. I think pretests are most helpful when what students know before a class bgins is helpful to the teacher in planning where emphasis is needed or will be added.
Regards, Barry
It helps me to gauge where my students are in the material. For example, in a criminal law class, I might test their knowledge of the Constitution or the court system before creating a delivery strategy.
Pretests can help botn the instructor and student to determine knowledge base and give the student a base for the rest of the class.
Hi Julie:
I don't use pretests too often - kind of varies. When I feel I could help students by first giving a pretest, I'll give one. Some subjects lend themselves better to pretesting more than others. If that kind of topic is pending, I may issue a (non-graded) pretest. Sometimes I'll redo the same test later on to show how far students have come.
Regards, Barry
I have not used the pre-tests but they sound like a great idea for some courses. I can see how they could help us focus on the appropriate course content.
Hi Timothy:
Great. I too like having students assess at the beginning, then repeat the test at they conclusion to reinforce (and encourage) students to see how far they've come. It's an easy exercise with amplified results.
Regards, Barry
I use the pretest for a number of reasons. It is very helpful to see the level(s) of the students entering the class.
I find out what students I may need to challange because they know the material but must take the course as part of the graduation requirement.
At the end of the course they take the same test again allowing the students can see how much they did learn.
Hi Shanna:
Good. Planning takes time and thought. If pretesting assists that process, all the better.
Regards, Barry
Hi John:
Great! Math would seem to be an excellent setting for using a pretest. Also, it may help the teacher avoid spending time on topics unneeded because students already have have an adequate understanding of select math problems.
Regards, Barry
Hi Robert:
Pretesting, even if done very rarely (as I do) can be one of the many learning tools available to teachers who want to know beforehand what their students know.
Regards, Barry
I agree. It really helps to figure out a students weak points.
Hi Stephanie:
Pretesting can revel information to the teacher, but is a helpful tool for student too. A no-graded pretest helps illuminate what's ahead and may make some students feel beeter about the class when some of the mystery is omitted from their thinking.
Regards, Barry
Hi Anna:
Good use of resources. Pretesting can also grab the attention of students by letting them in on what lies ahead in the class. This can be helpful in dismissing fears or stress about what is coming up in the class, and perhaps, with less stress, studends may perform a bit better.
Regards, Barry
Fortunately, a lot of classes I teach have a prerequisite quiz and that helps a lot. But ones that don’t, I make up a prerequisite for the class and give it to students at the first class meeting. It helps me more than anything else to learn about student’s level of knowledge and their ability to follow the material. That way I can tailor the class to their needs.
Hi William:
When students perceive that this activity is not a "test" but a preview of what they know and where emphasis in the class will be, they're more likely to participate with more interest and seriousness.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rene:
Yeah, this activity can be made fun, especially if it's non-graded. A preveiw of coming attractions, so to speak!
Regards, Barry
Hi Raymond:
Good point. All students should experience the benefits of a pretest at some point. My perspective is to use them when I need to know something about the class. The student benefits by gettinbg a preview of what may lie ahead.
Regards, Barry
