Pretest
We use pretest here at my school and I find it very helpful because it gives me an ideal of what I need to focus on the most for my classes, helping me plan my classes where I can spend more time on the topics where help is need the most and not waste time on classes that the students already have good knowledge of.
Hi Lolita:
On the other hand, these can show you what kind of learning style works best for your student which can make your lesson planning that much more effective.
Regards, Barry
Good point. I use pretest and post-test in classes like legal term and contract law so students can see how much they have learned throughout the quarter. Many students have marveled at their growth and were sufficiently entertained by how little they knew coming into the course. Great learning and assessment tools that are helpful to my instructional style as well. If I see most students are falling short in the same area, I make lesson plan adjustments accordingly.
I worry that students will be frustrated if I test them on material before it is presented. Even though the pretest may be checking for foundational knowledge and is announced as not becoming a part of the grade, students often view it as unfair.
Hi Stephen:
I only use pretesting now and then. I use it when I'm unsure where my students are at in their learning. Some pretesting can be very brief questions, just to get a sense, generally where students are performing. It doesn't take a lot of preparation.
Regards, Barry
We are starting to use pretesting in one of our courses. it really helps to see where they are at the strat of the class. I want to follow up at the end of lecture with another test. To see what needs improvment.
