I can use this technique in career education because it would give me anonymous feedback pertaining to what aspects of the lesson the students feel will be useful to their career plans. This information can then help me taylor my lesson plans accordingly.
Based on the assessments students may/are required to do, it is important to put the following factors into the mix.
In relevance to the classes I teach(Culinary Arts) I include punctuated lectures. This will include students being "forced" to write down notes/recipes as they listen to my lecture as I am demonstrationg the technique or dish of the day. In terms of feedback, their input is shown on how well they have written down notes to follow the dishes correctly. If they have not, then thier work will definitely reflect that. Also, as an instructor it will allow me to better understand as a whole how well students in the class are able to listen and write and multitask as I do a demonstration. That way, if the majority of the class is doing what they need to do correctly it will reflect well on me as well as vice versa.
I really like the idea of using a CAT that assesses the students understanding from the class that was last delivered. I can see implementing a CAT to the end of each class. I would then review it bfore the next class and addresss any questions or clarify any misunderstanding in the following class. This way, I know if my students are missing any information and if so, i can address it right away rather than seeing it reflected in incorrect answers on tests.
Things that I have done in a culinary setting:
On the first day of class I go around and ask a student one thing that they would like to foucs on and I make a note to touch on that at least once with them.
Another is each quiz I ask a question like;
How is the class effecting your knowlege of food?
What is somthing that you have taken from the class so far?
If you could change one thin in the class what would it be?
I get good cunstructive feed back and know what direction the class is going.
By routinely making inquiries regarding materials recently covered to ascertain student comprehension and understandind.
CATS can be used in the classroom as feedbacks for instructors and students. At the end of a lecture you could have the students write a short synapse of the main points discussed and how they would apply to particular projects. After collecting all assignments you could read a few out loud and discuss how they were effective. I use this method in my class to review chapters. I have students read and review the chapter then break into small groups to discuss the important topic and how they would apply to their project.
Hi Michael - You have a right attitude - no matter how experienced we are we can always improve, and what better feedback then what we can get from our students!
We move quickly through the course I am currently teaching so I give daily quizzes on the subject matter. This is not graded. When everyone has comlpeted the work and understands it with the quiz work we move on and take the quizzes for credit. This way I know who needs help and who doesn't. No student is left behind.
I think the more feedback you can get from a class the more successful the outcome of the class. I use feedback to help me tailor my classes to the students needs and rearrange weekly activities and lessons based on class needs.
In my classes at around week 9 of 10 I like to have a discussion with my class as to how it went have them fill out an anonymous survey that goes over how the class went, what they would feel comfortable with(knowledge wise) and what they wish they had gotten more of during the class.
Then I try and reshape my course for the next session.
The minute essays would be useful in my classroom to assess what topics of study are being delivered in a format that keeps student attention. It would help students recall information, keeping it fresh in their minds as well as assist me in tailoring the material.
This was a good review of assessment, and the limitations of tests and quizzes.
CAT is a very important part of the learning process. It gives students instant, anonymous feedback and allows the instructor to guide them flawlessly through the class.
We take short quizzes throughout the quarter that don't count for much of their grade, but help show them what they need to focus their study on.
Anonymous format of the CAT allows students to freely report where they are unclear. They love to take this test as they appreciate the feedback and find the sharing useful.
I alresdy use CATs in my classroom. I certainly appreciate the refresher course in them and all of the information contained in this module.The information has given me some new ideas.
What can be scary in the class setting is feeling as though you are not delivering 'enough' material, presenting the material clearly enough, or not staying on top of the latest developments in your field. Instructors can be very transparent sometimes, and students can tell if an instructor is not performing up to par at times. It is well at the end of every quarter to re-assess one's lectures, PowerPoints, and hand-outs and make certain that everything is current and fresh for the following quarter or semester rather than wait until the beginning of the next quarter or semester.
Feedback is very important is helping students understand their progress or lack thereof in the course. From my experience, it is best done on shorter period of time.
It really depends on the class. A class like cultural diversity offers the opportunity for a wide range of CATS. Their answers can start class discussions.
CATs will enable me to better understand how the students are learning. At the beginning of class, I can ask each student to write down what we covered in the previous class. This will allow me to see where each student stands as far as retention of subject matter. It will also assist me in conducting review techniques.
Hi Marica,
I agree with you, the minute paper is a great way to get feedback from the student. Many students don't like to speak and may feel intimidated to do so. Therefore we are able to use this technique as well as regular assignments and tests to see if they have an understanding of the material or we need to adjust our teaching styles as well.
