I like the idea of pretests. I have not used them before. What makes a good pretest? I suppose that it depends of many factors such as scope of content, difficulty of content, etc. Can a pretest be short in length? I feel so overwhelmed already in getting 5 preps done each day.
My course requires extensive organization of data. I find that using a readily available tool like Excel or its Open Office equivalent puts everyone on fairly equal footing from the outset. Still, I know that, if nothing else, I need to assess their spreadsheet skills. So one of the first things we do is a series of exercises to manipulate data in Excel. It's a full-class exercise that not only allows me to coach individuals through concepts such as inserting, cutting and pasting rows, but it also provides an opportunity for the quicker learners to work with their less spreadsheet-savvy classmates in a very cooperative environment...and on the very first day!
I gauge each student's progress so that as we segue to course-specific topics that utilize spreadsheets, I can keep an eye and ear open for those who may need additional time and assistance.
I like to use the pre-test method as a way to understand what sort of knowledge base and skill level my students have coming into the course, and also to give them a sample of what's in store for them. I find that if they are pre-tested on chocolate tempering, for instance, they become more excited to learn about it and more engaged during the tempering demo. Allowing them to use the pre-test as a study quide also gives them a better understanding of the right questions to ask during the demo process.
Hi Iolanda:
You are making a good point - by evaluating them in this manner, we can see what kind of learner they are, and cater our lesson plan to meet that need.
Regards, Barry
Hi Melissa:
You're describing the perfect approach for these kinds of tools. In other words, you can use them to identify what kind of student learner you have (the student's needs).
Regards, Barry
Hi Sandy:
Excellent! To paraphrase something you wrote, it may help identify what kind of student learner you have, making lesson planning more effective.
Regards, Barry
Hi Pamela:
Pretests are also a great way to show you what kind of student learner you have, making lesson plans more effective.
Regards, Barry
Hi Mary Jane:
Exactly! Combine what you've said here with my comment to you earlier, and you have both sides of the coin.
Regards, Barry
Hi Mary Jane:
Another thing pretests are great for are to show the instructor what kind of student learner they have, which can help make lesson plans more effective.
Regards, Barry
Hi Beverly:
The idea about these tools is two-fold; we can assess where the student is in their understanding, and get an idea of what kind of student learner they are, making lesson plans more effective.
Regards, Barry
Hi Tierra:
Another thing that can be gained from using these tools is it can show you what kind of student learner you have, thus making lesson planning more effective.
Regards, Barry
Hi Dennis:
Another nice thing these tools are good for is that it can show you what kind of student learner you have, making lesson plans more effective.
Regards, Barry
You need to know what your students know. You need extra materials for those you need it and you need to challenge those who need it. That is another reason why teaching is hard!
by determining the current knowledge base of your students you can make a decision if you need to review basic material for the class that isnt started where you think they should be or to go past where you thought they might be coming in if they already have the requisite knowledge.
Pre-testing can provide an instructor a tool to plan and organize their lecture. It informs them high missed areas, and enables the instructor to focus more on that particular subject or point of the lecture/course.
Gives you an overall picture of the aptitude of a particular group of students. You can get an snapshot of the students strengths and weaknesses.
Hi Athyna:
Pretests can be used anytime the instructor determines they are effective to assist with lesson planning. This tool varies from institution to institution.
Regards, Barry
Hi Sue:
To piggy-back on your comment, these tools can also show you what kind of learner you have, which can also make lesson planning more effective.
Regards, Barry
I use this in my class as a way to determine what my students know. Sometimes they say they know the subject, but once they do the pretest, they realize how much they don't know. And it tells me what areas to spend more time on and what areas I can breeze through quickly.
I use these in most of my lecture/lab classes. They students have already had many chances to discuss with other students what instructors teach and how they teach our massage techniques.
I simply give them a pre-test for gathering what they already know and to see what their expectations of the material is.
This very helpful for me - as I can start running vs. walking if needed.
