Pre-testing
During the first class, students are pre-tested. This gives me, the instructor, an indication of who can successfully complete this class and who will need extra help in completing this class.
Hi Shawn:
Pretesting offers an advantage to students to get a sense how the test might appear and also what items might appear. I don't think this does much for critical thinking, but it seems to contribute to students knowing the material that may be on a test.
Regards, Barry
I think pre-testing and post-testing both have positive effects.
Hi Lanny:
Yes, generally speaking, I think all students would probly perform better if any assessment they were required to take was preceded by pre-testing - there are many benefits associated with positive student outcomes and pre-testing.
Regards, Barry
Pre-testing has several uses. It is a tool to screen qualified applicants to the school/career college. It identifies students that could benefit from or want remedial courses prior to admission into the regular student body. It also, as you mentioned, shows coming attractions and highlights of the course.
Hi Mark:
Yes - pretesting tells you something about where your students are at in their knowledge of a given subject, and also lets the students see a glimpse of "coming attractions".
Regards, Barry
I like the idea of giving a pretest. I currently ask the students at our first meeting to tell me what experience they have with the subject material for the course. This gives me an idea of who might need additional assistance in class or lab. I would like to try a pretest along with the question to see if the results are different then what I expect.
Hi Charles:
I think pretesting could be integarted into almost every kind of lesson. Used correctly, it provides an measure of learning completed, and can stimulate students interest in the material (kind of like "previews of coming attractions").
Regards, Barry
I feel pre-testing is as important as instruction. When a pre-test is given it give the instructor an honest assessment of a student’s knowledge level. And I would like to use it more in our environment.
Hi Mark:
There are a lot of variations to the pre-testing concept. In the best of settings, it can be very effective in adding to the student's comprehension of a daily lesson or topic.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rory:
Another good reason for doing pre-testing is it allows the instructor help define where the the class lesson is headed and what the students can expect from teacher that day.
Regards, Barry
I think that pre-testing is good for the student and teacher. If there is anything that the students misunderstood then the teacher can review the material.
Hi Victoria:
Good observation. What is important is your point emphasizes that all students can benefit from our efforts if we're willing to spend a bit of extra time to tailor the lessons. Not everyone is interested in taking the time. Glad to hear you are.
Regards, Barry
I think this is so important and will stress this where I work. Its difficult taking very skilled students and some with no experience at all and tailor the lessons to fit both. This is the job of the placement staff. I think we need to know as much info about our classes before we start.
At the beginning of every three week session students are given a pretest just to see if they know about the course. At the end of the three week session they are given a post test with the same questions. This will enable me to see if they understand the course content and the teaching techiques.
Response to Barry and Doreen, I like the idea of pretesting. It would definitely help me to know what basic skills students are bringing to the class or the lack of as well. I also like this idea because in the pretest questions about the course content, previous knowledge in that area and what they want form the class can also provide a road for the instructor to travel. I believe students would appreciate this as a way of being acknowledged as an individual with individual needs. Very informative. Sharon
YES PRE-TESTING IS A GREAT IDEA TO SEE WHERE A STUDENTS LEARNING LEVEL IS.
HI PROFESSOR, I AGREE, THE USE OF PRE TEST AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE COURSE ALLOWS THE INSTRUCTORS TO IN MANY WAYS CUSTOMIZED THE THE DELIVERY OF THE COURSE CONTENT AND MAKE ASSESMENTS DURING THE COURSE TO ENSSURE THAT THE MATERIAL COVERED IS REACHING THE STUDENTS AND THE RESULTS OF THE POST TEST WILL GIVE THE INSTRUCTOR A CLEARER PICTURE THE COURSE SUCCESS.
I think this is a great help for the instructor and the student.
