Van,
This would be the most effective method for getting the students "on track" with the rest of the class. Also, referrals can be made to the school tutoring center for additional assistance.
Tremayne Simpson
Jessica,
I use this method as well. What is the reaction of your students, once they have received the quiz on the first day of class? Are they intimidated at all?
Tremayne Simpson
Yes, I add or delete material based off ofthe pre-assessment. My initial lesson plans are a good starting point but each class is a little different depending on the students.
Jessica,
Do you alter your course lesson plans, based upon the results that are received from the pre-assessment?
Tremayne Simpson
When that has happened I didn't alter the lesson plans, rather worked with those individuals to try to help them gain proficieny in the areas where they lacked skills.
After introductions I simply say I am going to give a short test that isn't for a grade but rather to determine where the class as a whole stands with base knowledge for this class. Usually the class is ok with it and there is very little complaining
On the first day of class having a discussion about what prior classes they have taken. If there are prerequist classes then give a short quiz to determine what they have retained from the previous class. I also find asking general questions about the class content to be helpful in determining where the students are.
Van,
Have you ever had a class with several students that were not proficient in skills, that they should have acquired in previous courses? If so, did you have to alter your lesson plans for the course?
Tremayne Simpson
I, too, teach at a culinary school. Giving an assessment the first day can help to determine who has what skills. Even though all the students have had the same courses prior, they will not all be as proficient and it makes it easier to assess who might need more attention or to 'catch up' on skills others may have mastered.
Stephanie,
Is this quiz based on the information that they should have acquired prior to taking your course?
Tremayne Simpson
On the first day of class, I give the students a quiz asking them to define or explain key terms and concepts.
Lloyd,
What is the course of action used when a student has insufficient skills based on the assessment? Do you have to provide them with an individual development plan, in order to "keep pace" with the course?
Tremayne Simpson
In our culinary courses, we usually go off the class’s previous core objectives and standards. Student must attain certain skill sets to move on and some learn them better than others. It is important to also get some asset test whether written and or hands on to gauge students overall perception of their skills for the task at hand.
Diane,
I agree with this approach. Instructors have to ensure that there questions are "open-ended" and enable their students to elaborate on their prior knowledge. I typically use a "Socratic" questioning method, in order to assess my students' approach to critical thinking.
Tremayne Simpson
The best approach is to pose questions about what experiences they have had in a particular area. This could be done during the very first class and then each subsequent class so as to gain more a more in-depth understanding of their knowledge level.
Thank Tremayne,
I think it's a good idea to also use non-graded opportunities for feedback throughout the learning process to determine how the students are progressing in retention and understanding of the material.
Marshall,
Thanks for sharing this method with the board. I am an advocate of pre and post, diagnostic assessments, because I feel that it is the best way to measure skill growth within your students. Also, they are able to understand their progress when their results are explained to them, after the course has concluded.
Tremayne Simpson
One outstanding way that I assess student knowledge is through utilization of an 80 question diagnostic test prepared for the subject of food safety. It comes in handy for all of the reasons discussed in Module 1 and can also be used later in the course to encourage the students to see how far they've come and how much they've learned.
Rochelle,
This is a great method for getting candid responses from your students. What is your approach when you find out that some of your students do not understand topics that they should have previously known?
Tremayne Simpson
For my first class, I like to ask questions they should already know about different topics that I will be teaching throughout the semester. I make it into a game. of course, the students don't know why I'm doing it so it's not uncomfortable for them.
This way I can find out where the class is as a whole.
