you can see strengths and weaknesses of each student and know where focus is needed in class
Kim,
I find pretesting helps me the most in the area of planning where my emphasis will be in the duration of the course.
Barry Westling
If you have some leeway inthe course design, you can accomodate issues that the students have, for example lack of preparation.
Leslie,
I suppose anytime we ask students a question we are assessing what they know. With select topics (such as APA or MLA), one might save time if the whole class was familiar with the process but I imagine there would still be a need to review the essential points, perhaps give a handout explaining the nuts and bolts so to speak. I would not want to have my first paper assiggnment due and half the class not follow APA rules.
Barry Westling
I have use verbal questions to see what the students know about the topic. For example when I teach APA format. I ask the students how many have used this format? How know anything about this format. Based of these verbal answers gives me an idea of where I need cover the most with APA format.
Rhoda,
Glad you're finding some helpful instructional tips. As for pretesting, it doesn't have to be comprehensive or exhaustive. For me, it's usually about 15-20 questions that relate to one or more of the key concepts in the course and gives me an idea how thorough or brief I need to be based on prior knowledge.
Barry Westling
I have been an instructor just under a year. I believe using the pretest will be very helpful in organizing my lesson plans for my new class.This course has been very informative. Thank you
Annette,
Yes, I believe serious-minded students are apt to reflect on the information they're being pre-tested on and perhaps begin to prepare or ready themselves for some of the more important topics they realize will be coming up soon in their course work.
Barry Westling
I believe just as much as it gives us as instructors perspective to where our students are at in learning, it shows the students where they are at as well. This helps them to understand where their skills are lacking and where they are excelling. It puts their education in perspective for them, and lets them know where they need to focus.
Linda,
Good for you. Pretesting can be a very helpful tool, both in determining students prior knowledge, and in planning curriculum and lessons that are more specific to a given class.
Barry Westling
I think that this would be an excellent way to assess each students starting point, with the diversity in my classes I plan on using this tool.
Dorothy,
Two of my primary textbooks provide publisher versions of pretests that I can use (or modify) if I choose. Since I rely on these textbooks, the questions are slightly more relevant.
Barry Westling
Using prestest is an excellent way to see what your students need to meet their goals. I give pretest to my students and it helps me as well as the students. I can effectively plan the course based on where I need to concentrate my instruction. The students have been responding in a positive way. They have stated that they didn't really realize how much they did'nt know. It made them more motivated to learn and to pay closer attention when terms where put on the board.
Jon (Jack),
For me, I use pretests occasionaly, but whenever I do, I gain insight into the students prior learning, and that helps me better plan for more effective classes.
Barry Westling
Having an idea of what the students know and don't know, provides the teacher vital information on where to start the course. This keeps the teacher from speaking beyond their skill and knowledge base.
Dustin,
Right, easier and helpful for planning purposes. Why spend time on material that is not needed?
Barry Westling
That is a great idea to have pre tests at the beginning of a class rotation. It will make it easier to plan your teaching schedule and know where the students are in relation to the material you are teaching.
Eunice,
Cool. This is a great example where pretesting can ultimately help you as the instructor to assist your students in a key category needed for success in your class.
Barry Westling
I think the pretest will be especially useful in my Pharmacology Math class. The students in that class have varying levels of Math skills, so I am hoping a pretest will help me pinpoint those who will probably need extra help right away.
Shelia,
In this model of instructional delivery, think it would be extremely important to learn of newly enrolled students prior knowledge. Integrating them with the longer-enrolled students would seem to run smoother if their was prior knowledge of their abilities.
Barry Westling
