Dear Angela- Thanks for sharing some good ideas for alternative assessments. Susan
Have students set up demos or do demonstrations on topic or subject matter, this is a good assessment for a computer class, have them complete math problems by showing their work, you can also have them create a peer challenge, a small quiz that the student prepares for the other students over information discussed during class, student must also provide their answers to the peer challenge to the instructor
Critical thinking assessments:
For example, presenting a scenario and give the student sufficient time to make decisions and validate his/her reasonings using material learnt in the course
Hi Becki- Thanks for your post to the forum. Having students "teach back" as you describe, also increases retention of the material that they are learning. Excellent! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I generally use a couple of methods of assessments. One way is that when I am teaching a skill course, I have students explain to other students what is to be done and why. I lend an ear to make sure that what is being said is correct. This seems to go a long way in showing the student what she/he knows.
Sometimes I have students answer my questions. I have been working on the "clicker" ideas where I have the students use clickers to answer questions. It is a "break in the action".
Hi Monica- I agree, we owe it to our students to make sure that they are prepared for what they will face in the workplace once they finish their studies. Susan
One thing I have noticed with my younger students is that they don't realize what it takes for the real world until it smacks them in the face. That's why as I am instructing them, I give side notes of this is important why speech. It makes it much more effective and gives them a sense of what they may need to know. Thanks for the encouragement Susan.
Allowing the students to compare their hands on projects to other students work creates a competitiveness to make their work better.
Hi Monica - Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that it is essential that students be able to apply the skills that they are learning to "real world" situations. This prepares them for what they will encounter in the workplace.Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
having them write down ways that they enjoy learning
I teach computer classes so I need to evaluate as a hands on approach. The students take a practice test and then they apply that prtactice to the real world situations that are created to test them.
Hi Susan :
I also use discussion groups;group projects where they can have 3 or 4 students in a group working towards an outcome with one person actually writing up the solution for the group,each receiving the same grade.
Hi Regina - Thanks for your post to the forum and for sharing some great examples of alternative assessments. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I like using incentives and compare to salary increases, using mind games. Once the ice is broken or the wall is down, students seem to be more engaging and willing to participate in class discussions. I am able at that time to assess their learning interest through critical thinking exercises.
I liketo use alot of critical thinking skill in the class. I also do a lot of hands on.
Hi - Asking your students too use critical thinking skills to work through problems ( especially scenarios) is terrific! They will be better able to retain those concepts. Susan
Students can memorize the steps to a procedure or how to do something with repetition, but may not really know why they are doing it. I like to through a wrench in every once and a while. Maybe contaminate a sterile procedure midway and saw now what? Or maybe the equipment fails...now what? I want to know they can think on their feet and understand what they are doing.
i agree crital thinking and common sense are needed in the medical field
Hi Clay - Thanks for your post to the forum. That feedback that you are giving at the end of each class is wonderful! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I have students complete exercises from the book (digital layout) and critique them at the end of class. I am able to assess the overall comprehension of the class with the material.
