Although students should have met the standards for taking the course, sometimes due to language or backround differences there are gaps in the knowledge base. I usually begin with a quiz. This way I learn where they are knowledge wise and they learn about my quiz expectations.
I like the idea of asking about the students experience , likes and dislikes, I will add more questions to get them to share more, this way I will know who they are much better, much sooner.
I like the process you use and will start doing the same in my class. It is so helpful to know how knowledgeable the students are on a subject.
Beth,
Inquiring about the students' backgrounds, is a great way to "break the ice" and to get an idea of their prior learning. As for diagnostic or pre-tests, I have found that creating exams that have "open-ended" or "essay-style" questions are effective, for a thorough, assessment of the student subject-matter knowledge.
Tremayne Simpson
One the first day of each course, I always provide a quiz to test the student's knowledge on the course material. The quiz does not count toward their grade but it also works as a nice ice breaker, too. I also have the students fill out an index card with their basic contact information and a few personal facts, including employment status. Sometimes I incorporate a student's employer or previous employer into case studies or class discussions. Also at the top of each class meeting, I review the chapter's learning objectives and I ask the students to explain each of the objectives to me. I can use this information to measure how much they truly understand about the chapter's topics.
I just ask what each students background prior to starting school. If they have taken a class similar to the class I am teaching. Many of the younger students have taken an A & P class in High school or in college. I have never used a test, I am interesting looking at starting one in the future. Any suggestions are welcome.
In the culinary college i work at we use daily rubrics. We have six 5 question quizes in a six week curriculum. Along with the quizes we have a midterm and a final. The students also have a midterm practical and a final practical. The student is well aware of their success or weakness.
Peter,
What types of activities have you implemented, in order to assess student knowledge, early on in the course?
Tremayne Simpson
Teaching in a culinary school it is very important to grasp the the students knowledge as quickly as possible. That way you can design a personnel course within a course.
Not all classes can be taught exactly the same. I use a prerequisite review quiz to fine out what each student knows. The review will help give me an idea what the students know. Also the review will help guide me in the right direction to teach each class.
E. ,
This is an excellent idea for identifying prior student knowledge. Getting the student to discuss topics/skills that they found interesting, can really start the class in a "positive light". From their suggestions, you are able to discuss how the identified skills/topics will be covered in your class, in a more advanced level.
Tremayne Simpson
Elizabeth,
I have also used a combination of a verbal and formative assessment of prior knowledge. In some cases students are better suited to discuss their level of prior knowledge verbally, whereas others can provide this information in a diagnostic exam.
Tremayne Simpson
I teach clinical classes that build on each other. On the first day of class, I ask the students to tell me at least one skill or topic that they learned in the previous class that they found interesting. From there, I build upon each topic they name (ask them why they liked the skill, can they demonstrate the skill again, what they found to be helpful when learning the skill). I then ask them to name a skill or topic they found to be challenging. By doing this, I can assess what level they are skill wise. I can also learn what previous strategies worked for them so we can utilize them in my class again.
I ask my students if they have taken a course that relates to or have taken a similar course to the one I am teaching. I will also have a quiz in order to create a baseline to assess how much of the material I need to incorporate into the lesson plan.
E. Segura
On the first day of class I have a discussion with the students about their knowledge and experience with the course content. This gives me a pretty good idea. I have also given short quizes that assess their knowledge.
Elisa,
Providing this sequence of testing, provides the instructor with the best idea of how to centralize the course focus, directly to the needs of the students. In addition, it is a great idea to collaborate with the prerequisite instructor, to ensure that their course is preparing the students for the next-level class.
Tremayne Simpson
I started teaching a class with students that I hadn't taught before. Even though the curriculum is standard in my program, I didn't know what their last instructor taught. I gave them a test at the beginning to see what they had learned last term. I also had them take a pre-test on material that they were going to learn this term. Both of these tests gave me an idea of their strengths and weaknesses.
In the first class period, I pass out a written "Getting to Know You" questionairre. I instruct the students to only answer what they are comfortable sharing with me and the class. I want to find out what has been their previous experience in the field. I ask what is their motivation for finishing their training.
It helps the other students learn more about their classmates, and lays a foundation for study groups and friendships.
On the first day of class, I do this too. I try to find out about my students background and work environment experiences they have had with Managers. I teach Management classes so this helps me get to know them better and their perceptions of management and leadership.
Matthew,
This is a great indirect, pre-assessment method. I'm sure that you are able to receive candid feedback from your students, in this format.
Tremayne Simpson
