I use pretest with all of my introductory level courses. I think that it is important especially with adult learners that may not have been in school for 10+ years to establish a baseline of where they are at with the subject knowledge. This also helps me to know where to focus with each subject.
I think a pre test is a good tool to use to evaluate,I have found that many students have no idea of what is going on or if they even want, or should be in school. If you use this tool maybe you can use a differant style to make them want to be in class, and to let them know they made the right career choice.
Pretest can help me with my Math courses because I have an idea of the material the students already know and what I may have to focus on more. It will also give me an idea of what teaching style is needed based on what the students know and need to know.
giveing a pretest really helps with planning course content.
with electrical for example it will tell me if I have to go over basic electrical or if I can start an advanced course.
I work at a career school and we have different kinds of students enrolling in the program.A lack of knowledge and experience among the students is quite common.Most of them are placed in the course without the required prerequisite skills or knowledge ( only based on HS diploma).By knowing their backgrounds and characteristics we would be able to customize our instructions to meet their learning needs.I welcome the idea to use pretests in order to determine their level and then develop instructional materials accordingly.The instructor should be creative in how he/she can plan the course content.I find it very helpful to offer students additional study guides or assign them to study groups.Thus as an instructor my goal is to reach each student and help them to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in my class.
I teach Speech, so while a traditional pretest may not apply, I do plan to have students fill out and discuss a worksheet about prior speech experiences, and any anxiety they may have about the class. I then plan to lead a discussion based upon the responses. This way I know which specific anxieties to address, and it helps to learn what kinds of experiences these particular students have had.
Hi Taylon:
More specifically I would augment your statement by saying a pretest can help identify where more emphasis is needed (or less emphasis) dso that the time you have in class is utilized to it's fullest.
Regards, Barry
the pretest will help me highlight information that students dont have mastery of yet
I agree. Pretesting really lets you know where your students are in regards to knowledge. This way you are not giving them material they are not ready for.
Hi John:
Right. And students benefit because more of their time will be focused on true learning needs, not assumed or planned presentations.
Regards, Barry
Hi Gregory:
Yes, and pretesting can identify where more (or less) emphasis may be needed.
Regards, Barry
It will help the instructor to evaluate the background and skill that each student has which inter can help the instructor determind what type of instruction tools she might need to use in order to meet the needs of her students.
A pre-test gives you a gauge to your students strengths and weakneses in a subject matter. You can then plan more time or less in that area.
It helps you determine a starting point (skill or knowledge level to begin). It lets you know if you need to go back over the basics, or reinforce learning in different ways.
Hi Dennis:
For me, my planned curriculum assumes I'm going to cover certain things in a certain amount of time. Pretesting provides me opportunity to modify my curriculum in order to put the emphasis where it can assist the students the most.
Regards, Barry
Hi Dennis:
Right. Emphasize the more important information, while not spending as much time on what the students already know. Pretesting is a perfect tool.
Regards, Barry
Hi Eric:
Problem areas, or another way of saying where more empgasis is needed and not wasting time where emphasis is not needed.
Regards, Barry
By determing a baseline I can address weakness and strength on an individual basis. This provides a better flow to the class environment and presentation.
I feel pretests establish a baseline and "even the playing field". I can choose to review weak areas that the students may not have absorbed in a prerequisite class.
Hi Christine:
It's a time saver too, as the teacher learns what needs more emphasis. Sometimes, doing the same test at the end of the class shows students how much they've learned.
Regards, Barry
