Formative Questions/Assessment
I have found that class discussion is a good barometer of when they are ready for the test. Not always perfect as the more vocal students are usually the ones with a better understanding of what is going on.
Hi Gavin- I think that we all bless the students who voluntarily mentor their classmates! Best wishes- Susan
I usually have a fair idea of what to expect from a class on an exam, either because they are comfortable with the material and have been able to utilize it in the lab environment or because the group in question contributes well in the class discussion. Sometimes I am lucky enough to have one or two students that really get the material and voluntarily mentor those that are struggling. Usually they don't even realize that they are doing it.
I have some concern about using formative questions to assess for test readiness. As you have noted it is usually the brightest and most prepared. I have found if students do a form of question hand off where they answer a question and then ask a similar question or ask for additional information from another student that a much clearer picture of student readiness appears.
