Seth,
I also use a similar method, during the first session/week of the course. After the discussion with the students I am able to make revisions to my lesson plans and possibly add additional activities based on my findings.
Tremayne Simpson
Theresa ,
This is a great method for "breaking the ice with your students". Students tend to be more engaged when they are asked "self-directed" questions, that enable them to discuss their personal experiences.
Tremayne Simpson
On the first day of class I have students answer questions related to the subject matter. I am able to identify what areas they might know a lot about and what areas they may not have any knowledge or understanding of the subject. I also like to open class time with case studies or other activities which help me to assess what topics I should highlight or elaborate on given the feedback from the opening learning activity.
Prior to teaching a new lesson, I ask my students "Who has experience" and "What do you know about it". This gets them engaged with talking and asking questions about the current content, which displays what they know or don't know.
That is a very interesting question. Before I start my first class I use to ask the students to introduce themselves, to talk about if they have any experience in the field and sometimes I let them take a pre-test.
Cynthia,
This is a great exercise for developing a relationship with your students. Although there are many support systems available for students (student services, academic advisors, etc.), they still look to their instructors for important educational and career guidance.
Tremayne Simpson
Michael,
This is an effective approach for properly identifying prior student knowledge. I always advise faculty to teach the "feeder" pre-requisite courses, prior to taking on the advanced-level classes. With this method the instructor can better understand the course sequencing and expected student skill transitions.
Tremayne Simpson
neelam,
What is your method for addressing students that are not well-versed in the previously learned material?
Tremayne Simpson
Roxsie,
Excellent. I find that you receive more "candid" answers, when the students are aware that the quiz does not count toward their grade.
Tremayne Simpson
At the beginning of my six week course I ask the class to share why they chose our school,where they want to work once they've graduated and what their goals are 2 years after graduation.I then share a little bit about myself and what my goals were as a student and what they are as there teacher.
Before I start the lesson for the day I ask what they know about the topic of the day then start by explaining the methods followed by a demonstration of the methods.
I have taught the pre-requisite courses so am familiar with their content. On the first day I will have a review in class and discussion on materials from previous classes. I will start with basic material and progress as far as the class is able. I make an attempt to engage all students in discussions and not allow more knowledgable students to dominate.
I like quizzing students about subject matter.It gives me idea about their background .
Yes giving the quiz during the first class helps to figure out what level each student is on. No it does not count toward their grade.
Roxsie,
Do you give the quiz during the first class session? Also, does the diagnostic quiz count toward their course grade?
Tremayne Simpson
a quizz with 5 to 7 questions to determine their knowlege of the subject.
Crystal,
This is a great approach for identifying pre and post student subject knowledge. Do you provide the students with an "exit" analysis, once they have completed the post-test?
Tremayne Simpson
I like to use the pre-test to see where my students are before the course begins. Then I like to use the same quiz at the end of the course to assess how well they interpreted the information and the ability to retain the information.
Martha,
I agree...it is important that the students have an opportunity to meet their classmates and to discuss their backgrounds. I also find that students are very interested in hearing about the background of their instructors.
Tremayne Simpson
i like the "getting to know you" by going around the room and having each student talk about themself and how much they know about the content you are about to teach.
Yes ,they tell use to do ice breakers and this is one
