First Day of Class
I teach an electrical design class in which students must be familiar with residential electrical codes in order to be successful in the class. On the first day of class, I give a codes test (not for a grade) which gives me knowledge of the level of each student. This elliminates wasted time by only reviewing what is needed.
Hi Michael, Although we often have students complain about making presentations in class, the employers who hire our graduates tell us they want employees who are comfortable meeting with clients and making presentations. Great work, Michael!
Susan Polick
I teach computer drafting. On the first day of class I have the students give a short introduction about themselves in front of the class. This does two things. First, I can see who has some drafting or construction knowledge and who doesn't. Second, and more important it gives the students practice in public speaking. At my school we focus on teaching and "soft-skills" in addition to the curriculum subject matter. You can be a great drafter but if you can't act like a professional employee you won't be employed for long. I reinforce soft-skill throughout the 12 months I have them.
I also provide my students with a test the first day of class. As an English Instructor, the test allows to have some sort of idea, what my students know and where I need to start.
Hi Phyllis, Yes, that first day diagnostic assessment can save us a lot of time in the long run.
Susan Polick
I also like to give tests on the first day so the students get a feel for the tests and what they are like and also to measure what level to start the class.
I also give an unofficial test to my students on the first day that allows me to determine their knowledge of measurements. Over the years I have found that some of the students have little knowledge in the number of ounces in a pound, cup, pint, quart or gallon. So this gives me an idea of how much more emphasis I need to place on the subject during the session.
Hi Timothy,
We also give a test on the first day (also not for a grade) While it is nice to get a measure how much the students already know, we do it more for the students benefit than ours.
On the first day, students usually want to know what kind of test, the grading, how long, etc. we will have in the class. I explain about the the quizzes and the Final. Then I pull out the 'pre-test' and tell them the regular tests will be similar in length and style. We take the pre-test and then trade papers and grade in class. I have them mark off for an incorrect answer, but also note the correct answer.
I fell this accomplishes a few different things:
- The students get a good feeling of what to expect regarding the type of test. Many of them seem to worry about taking tests and having now seen it will hopefully eliminate a little anxiety they may have had.
- By marking the correct answers on any question they may have missed, they now have something they can go back and study.
- Hopefully the students DO NOT do well on the pre-test. This means there is much to learn! We have key questions from each major topic we cover in class. This provides a little foreshadowing to the student about what we will be learning in class. (yes, one can read what is covered in class on the syllabus, but it's not the same....)
yes effective way to approach the student population. I infiltrate alot of motivation in my speech and alot of my experiences in my teachings so students can understand better on what to expect in their chosen field
First day of class for my students involves a 30 question test which they retake weekly. This allows me to monitor progress. All the students are only told their previous tests score. I tell them to challenge themselves in striving for a better score each time. At the end of the course we review the 30 questions. The questions are made to be hard and i never expect a perfect score on the first or second attempt. I reassure the students that at the end of the course they will at least have an understanding of the tests content.
We have simuliar tests. We also issue the same test at the end of the quarter to measure the amount of information that the students has retained as well newly gained info.
Thanks, this gives me a good perspective as I also teach dental hygiene , and some have already worked in dental offices !
I will do the same type of knowledge testing as well as get a background on new students to put together a plan so each one has a fair chance.
I love the first day of class because that is the day that you are able to get a feel for your students and you are able to set your rules at that time. It is also time to have open discussion on the goals that they want to achieve or should I say the specialist in which they would rather work for.
I love this idea! I teach dental hygiene and many of the students have already had dental experience. We must try this!
Hi Timothy, Thanks for your post to the forum. That's a great strategy - it makes sense to find out what your students already know! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
