Checking for understanding
Hello,
Checking for understanding is one way to evaluate teaching methods against the students understanding and retention.
I like to give them hand outs and work and have them work in groups, then review it as a class. I usually get most of the students answering the questions, and I believe this increases their understanding.
Hi Kathryn - thanks for your post to the forum. although researching what previous knowledge your students should have takes some work, I agree that it is a worthwhile endeavor! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I constantly review questions and words that students previously learning. During lectures I will ask students "and what was virulence again?" (as an example). It is very informal, but it is getting them to regurgitate information that previously learned and actually have a chance to use that information. It has really helped with recall and improve the final test scores.
I encourage any of my students to share ideas with me and the class their thoughts on how to explain or demonstrate a subject that some are having difficulty comprehending.
If students do not all understand, you need to review again as all need to grasp the concept to move on and build on skills. You cannot skip and move on as the students who do not understand fully will have a harder time as knowledge and skill level gets more difficult.
Hi Lonnie - Thanks for your post to the forum. You are wise to determine that the entire class understands before moving on. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Checking for understanding is my way of knowing when to proceed with the next phase of the discussion. I will not continue until all the questions are answered and everyone is comfortable with the topic.
Hi Darrell - Thanks for your post to the forum. You are obviously a very caring and empathetic instructor! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
That is one of my favorite ways to check for understanding. It does not take long for me to know my lower performers and who will take more of my attention. I find that by recognizing them and asking them questions in the classroom publicly mixed with additional ones in the hallway or in private, it is easy for me to tell how they are doing along with the rest of the class.
