Evaluations
As there are a number of methods that can be used; I like the idea of pretest. This method gives you a general idea of the student’s current knowledge in the subject matter. I realize that some students do not test well or may be reluctant therefore resulting in a poor result. In this case I think it would be advantages to communicate to the class that this is clearly assessment and grades will not be recorded. Overall, I feel there is no one-size fit all type of evaluation method and it will take a combination of methods to yield the best result. You will find that what fits in one session may have a different outcome in the following session. As an instructor you have to find the baseline for each class and proceed.
Ervin,
Ervin,
Pre-tests provide so much information
Dr. Tena B. Crews
I agree I would love it if my University would incorporate a pre-test into the mix. Right now its a one and done for the students. I could see where a pre-test would help them in certain areas if they were struggling on a specific topic. In fact they may not be struggling as much as they thought but just panicing. A pre-test could really help in that situation.
Dennis,
We do learn from history. If we don't, we'll repeat it. It's good to connect what is working and what is not working and make changes to create a better classroom setting. Nice job.
I see a lot of similarity between closing the loop and continuous process improvement as advocated by Edward Deming. By looking at what went right and wrong we can improve the course over time. I keep notes as I teach a course about things that work, that I want to change, or do better. Often I pick up thoughts from one class that I can apply to others as well.
Shannon,
Using a variety of ways to evaluate is important. Not all students test well and it's important to assess students knowledge and abilities in a variety of ways.
I also use the pre and post test evaluations to get an idea of how was learned throughout the course. It is very important to take the "test anxiety" factor out of the process by stressing that it is not a grade but an evaluation tool.
Breezy,
I do the same thing. I'm giving a pre-test today. I simply tell the students to do their best and that I'm trying to diagnose (diagnostic test) what they know so that I know how fast I can go through some chapters and where I may need to spend more time on others. Nice job.
I in fact do use the pre-test method while teaching an online class. This allows me to deside which way to go with the students and also how I need to pace the information through out the course. Yes, I agree some students do not test well but they usually have a good grasp on the class material.
Donna,
I give pre-tests too as a diagnostic test. It is so important to know where your students are coming from. Formative assessments can help you also understand whether the students are "getting" the information.
Thanks!
I think that pre tests give you a better understanding of a students prior knowledge and gives the instructor some information on what type of learner the student is. It is also important for students to understand that it is not a "graded assessment" so as not to cause the student to be guarded in his answers.
Julynn,
I like the use of pretests as well. It's good to know where the students are as you begin your teaching. You can also then give a post-test to see how much they have learned.
You are right in that one-size does not fit all, but well all need to evaluate students learning and find what works for us.
Nice job.
