Get Your Students Hired
Rather than give a pretest to students in a course where new students may be entering, I usually ask each new student to introduce themselves and whether they have any medical background. This way I have a better understanding of each student's background and can read their facial expressions as to their understanding of the subject matter in most cases. After I assign the in-class activity, I always ask each student (new and seasoned) 'what questions do you have?' as some students may not want to ask questions during the lecture.
Hi Jeffrey:
Great way to substitute and achieve simliar information. The reason we do it at all is to learn where our students are at. So if these alternate techniques provide that information, I say go for it!
Regards, Barry
I will ask a lot of questions and get feed back that way. Hand out specific questionaires and have them turned in. before any exam or final. It will let you know problem ares and strong points.
Hi Suzzane:
Good plan. Getting students to "open up" in a class friendly environment can reveal information based on what they say, but how they say it, and evn the words they use to respond.
Regards, Barry