The pretest can help us as an instructor to get a better feel for the diversity of the students in the class. Some may come with some knowledge, and others may come with none. The pretest should probably take place at the beginning of a new class rather than in the middle. By doing this, the instructor can coordinate their teaching methods to the students so therefore everyone can participate and be engaged.
LT
it lets me know how much a student knows,and where i need to start. to get them where they need to be for my class.
The use of pretests will give an instructor a good guide to curriculum needs. This also gives the student a good understanding of where they need to concentrate as well.
Using a pretest the first day of class is a great way to assess the needs of the student before any issues may arise
Monica,
Great. This is just what the purpose and benefits of pretesting can accomplish.
Barry Westling
A prestest can help me with my instructional planning by not re-inventing the wheel. This will allow me to focus on what the students don't know as suppose to what they do know. By doing this I can then enhance there knowledge base.
Thomas,
Great. Good instructors should be able to provide a comprehensive learning model while reaching individuals at different learning levels. It takes work, effort and time, and that's partly what we're paid to do.
Barry Westling
I have had the problem of having different ability level and skills in the same class. Some of them knew the software intended for use and others have not. I now assess at the beginning of the first class how much skill is lacking and how I am going adjust my delivery. I will have also keep in mind the more advanced students. I need them engaged, as well. Sometimes I will resort to two plans to keep everyone getting their money's worth.
Sean,
Right. That's how most instructors use the pretest. The real benefit is to the instructor to see where small adjustment may be needed prior to moving ahead full steam.
Barry Westling
Joyce,
Sounds good and sound. Reviews are meant to be more of a reminder than a teaching. Those who need more work can always prep by geeting more help apart from the regular class. Reviewing also shares insight into what the instructor finds more important to study for.
Barry Westling
I love the pretest idea. It's something I've never actually considered before but you can be sure I will be implementing it soon. Really it's a dual purpose tool for me. It will not only help me better determine what points need to be focused on more, but it will also help us to see where any underlying issues may be with our other instructors that the students have had previously. I think a simple pretest at the beginning of each new course will be a fantastic thing for everyone involved.
I almosts always give my students a preview before they take any test. I will have them highlight key points in their syllubus as it relates to their exam. When you are teaching in an excelled program the students are covering information at an excellerated rate so why not give them the tools needed to help them pass their exams.
Joshua,
That's how it helps me. I don't grade my pretests, so students seem willing to try when they know there is no consequence for trying to answer to their best ability.
Barry Westling
Carmella,
Sure. When we have a basline we are better able to meet the needs of these particular students at this time, in this class, this go around. The needs may very well be different for a different cohort of students later on.
Barry Westling
It gives you a base line for the students knowledge base that can be analyzed to determine which course objectives/content an instructor will devote more time on.
im going to start using this to help me reach them more
Using pretests can give you a baseline assessment of the students. You can then begin to focus instruction in particular areas that have been screened as problem areas.
Doreen,
Pretests are for planning uses by the instructor. The students are involved only to the degree they provide planning information.
Barry Westling
Kari,
Most instructors find they are able to modify their plan of instruction when the have some information about their students prior knowledge.
Barry Westling
you get to know where the student is in the education
