Andrea,
Too often it is assumed that students have the requisite skills and knowledge to begin their studies in a class. Whether they do, or should is one question, but the practical point is understanding where students actually are with their incoming knowledge. Of course, the pretest is one terrific method to get a handle on the overall level of the group. And as you point out, too much time may transpire before "weaker" areas are identified, and unnecessary backtracking may be required.
Barry Westling
Using a pretest is critical when you are teaching the intermediate level of a class. The knowledge base of the students in class can vary greatly and those gaps in knowledge need to be addressed without completely boring and losing the interest of the better prepared students. Without a pretest you can only make guesses as to what the students already know. You probably won't find out what they know otherwise until the first assignment is turned in or the first quiz is taken and by then it is too late to avoid a negative start to the class.
Romana,
Instructors who regularly use a pretest in their classes find what you describe to be consistently applicable. And what better way to gauge a specific class's dynamic than the class itself!
Barry Westling
A pretest will help me determine the existing knowledge of the students on a specific topic. This will be helpful in the planning phase of the course. With this information I will be able to focus my presentation on unknown topics and select the most appropriate approach to teaching the course.
Amanda,
I look at the course objectives and base pretests on eventual hoped for outcomes. When I see students generally have acquired a particular learning objective, I'll spend less time with that component, deferring to other categories that appear to need more time.
Barry Westling
I think a pretest is a great idea. I was actually wondering about this concept so it was nice to see it brought up in the module. When creating lessons and determining how you want your course to run, it can be difficult because you don't know the levels of everyone. I think pretests like this provide an inside look at the knowledge level of your students and can allow you to better prepare your lessons. Any tips/suggestions on things that should definitely be included on it?
Sharita,
I believe we can assist our students by gaining some insight into their prior learning. It can potentially save the instructor time as well.
Barry Westling
I am firm believer in pretesting students for pharmaceuticals and calculations it will help me the instructor to understand where the students are and where I can start
Shelby,
Yup, that's the best reason to take the time to plan the pretest!
Barry Westling
I like the idea of a pretest to help determine what background skills and experience the class may have. Those details will help me shape my lesson plan better to address their specific learning needs. The pretest would also provide them a glimpse of what they can learn in the course, along with the comfort of knowing the instructor cares enough to shape the course to best their needs.
Jeffery,
I'll tell you, with a bit of knowledge about prior knowledge, we have a great opportunity to fine tune our classes to make them a bit more effective, personalized, and overall achieve better student outcomes.
Barry Westling
Use of a simple, fun pretest is an excellent strategy for determining my new student knowledge base. My program is commercial driver's license training. Some people have experience with large equipment, maneuvering trailers, manual transmissions, etc. Some have zero experience. Pretesting is definitely on my Day One activity list. I may have minor adjustments, I may need to adjust entirely. My approach, and consequently my student success, may depend on it.
