I use pre-tests for all my courses. This helps me to see patterns of misconceptions, preconceived ideas, and strengths and weaknesses of my class as a whole and students indivdually. I can aggressively focus on these areas in future lesson plans and activities. I usually give the students the pre-test after taking the class as well to show them their success and how well they have done too. This gives them a great sense of accomplishment!
Pre-tests can be used as a point of reference as to the students current knowledge base.
I use pretests in accounting classes. I am able to have weaker students link-up with stronger students in group work to help both students learn.
good idea to let you know where your students are
I have seen this in action. It helps to get a pulse on the class as well as individual needs. I have seen it given prior to lecture and then students have to opportunity to take them post lecture too.I like this and so do studnets because they can get immediate feedback.
the course objective are very clear. therefore no matter where a student is, regarding prerequesite knowledge, it is my job to teach course content.
I do this on a constant basis. It really allows me to know where my students are and if there are any learning areas that are lacking I can work with those students individually.
Hi Jackie:
I agree. And most classes have a mixed bag of student learning styles, abilities, interest, and motivation. So, I think a pretest can help lay a foundation of where the class as a whole stands, and begin to tailor the course to the specific needs of that class.
Regards, Barry
Hi Mark:
All good ideas. I feel like pretesting should assist both instructor and student. For the student, knowing what's coming in subsequent units is helpful. Of course, for the teacher, knowing where more emphasis will be needed is invaluable and will save time for all.
Regards, Barry
A pretest can give you an idea of the experience and/or knowledge level of the class as a whole. It also gives you data on what percentage of the class, and in particular, who may need more help with the material. A pretest however, takes time to administer and grade...time that must be alloted for during the course. Another technique is to require the students to take an ADL (online) course as a pre-requisite to your course. This brings all of the students up to a pre-determined level from which you can start your course.
Pretests in the classroom can assist instructors in knowing where the students are at in the subject from the get go. Instructors can use these tests to determine what areas need more emphasis. It can also help determine if students are entering your class prepared for the learning that is necessary for the course.
As a career college instructor, it is necesasary to gage their level of knowledge of the industry. I also give the same test mid way and at the end to ensure understanding and give them a sense of accomplishment.
Pretests are especially helpful to determine the needs of each class. Each class is different. Some students have background experience, some do not. Pretests can help if you decide to pair or group students into study groups. You can assign the students with more background knowledge as the group "leader" and pair them with the students with little to no background knowledge. Most students want to help others. By helping other students, they are in fact, reinforcing their own knowledge of the material.
Pretests are essential in addressing where to focus your efforts.
To give the same, repetitive material, regardless of student (collective) experience is ignoring the realities that exist in your classroom.
Pretests allow a teacher to determine where to focus.
This sounds like a great tool. It would enable the instructor to adjust the course content to better meet the needs of the students.
We do have a serious issue regarding "Students with Inadequate Backgrounds". I pass out flash cards in my wine & beverage mgmt. class, and one day I realized I had to teach them how to use them. I spent 25 minutes explaining how to use flash cards, and giving examples. It blew my mind that high school graduates enrolled in college would need that "training".
I now pass out a "test review" before even lecturing on the material, instead of waiting until the end of the lecture. They follow along better, ask better questions, and fill out the review as they go. Less eyes rolling, and fewer heads bobbing!
