A pretest can inform the instructor of the students' knowledge base concerning the course. It will also let the instructor know how to plan accordingly based on the results of the pretest.
Pretests are a great way to understand what your students already know about the topic. The results give you an understanding of areas you may need to cover more indepth and also enables you to create more activities that can help in the understanding of the material presented.
An example would be if my students know how to give a speech but don't necessarily know the terms, then maybe I would focus on the terms and show the association of the terms with the section of the speech.
A pretest helps the instructor to know where each of the participants are in Knowledge and skills. Due to the various ages, experiences and knowledge levels of the participants the instructor can determine if there needs to be a re-formatting of the lesson. For example, if the students do not have the KSA's for the upcoming lessons- an additional lesson might need to be added so all the students can understand the information.
Because I will have a point to start planning my classes.
With pretests, I can gauge the students' level of comprehension and basic knowledge. Pretests will also help the students focus on more important ideas that are very related to the topic. Students can also assess for themselves how much they know.
I use pretests as a tool to measure my students knowledge about a particular subject. Based on the results of the pretest informs me of how in depth I need to lecture about a topic. If my students are very knowledable I do not have to spend too much time on the material. Instead I use the pretest as a base to build from and expand their knowledge.
Pertest are a good tool to understand the level of knowledge of you students. It is a great guide to planning your classes. It also identifies weak areas of knowledge of the students.
Pretest can help instructors create a better and more effective instructional and course delivery. Determining the basic knowledge of what students know will provide a guide as to how lesson plans are designed and aid instructors in arriving at an effective pedagogy. Using pretest facilitate how the course is presented and maximize time for that course without compromising any important aspect to meet the learning objectives. Also, by using pretest, it facilitates student engagement.
One of the challenges that I see often as an instructor of "non-traditional" students is that they lack basic spelling, grammar and sentence structure skills. A pre-test would help me in evaluating their current skill level to make note of their need (or lack of need) for additional tutoring services.
Pretest can offer a strategic direction if the process is sold correctly so as not to intimidate the student. The test must allow the student to recognize his weaknesses without creating any negative residuals other than the intended purpose which is to make the student aware. Proper set-up & total anonymity is crucial to the end result.
I teach later terms and have been using pretests for several years. I have found that this gives the students a review of subject matter that they have not used in several terms. The students make positve comments after they have taken the pretest saying they need to take a look at the material again and usually have better understanding now than they did in earlier terms.
Tom
I use a pre-test in my math class. this actually allows me to fast forward through the 1st couple of chapters (addition, subtraction, decimals, fractions, etc) and move into the sections of math (payroll, inventory, banking, etc) that the students actually enjoy and will use.
it will let me know tjhe defective parts in students knowledge that has to be completed in order for them to undestand the coming course
Hi Sherrie:
Have you found that you need to spend a lot of extra class time with student's who aren't up to speed?
Regards, Barry
Hi Erin:
Pretests can also help show an instructor what kind of student learner they have, which can help to create more effective lesson plans.
Regards, Barry
I like pretests because it gives me a starting point from where to begin the class and which students I will have to pay special attention to.
Pretest are good in the sense that provides you with an idea of level of knowledge the students have. It helps you to see what the weakest areas are and also at the end of the course you can compare for example with final exams and see the improvement
I totally agree with having students divide into teams. Learning to work as a team is highly needed in being a dental assistant.
Hi Jeaneen:
Another thing to consider is pretest may also help the instructor know how to appropriately review what concepts need ot be understood before trying to grasp the main ones.
Regards, Barry
Hi Shannon:
I like the idea of having the student re-take the pre-test after review to show them what they've learned. This idea should be incorporated into every pre-test situation if time allows.
Regards, Barry
