testing
I give a 5 question test at the begining each new class to assess how much they know. Then I get them to write a short paragraph on what they think is important about the classes. believe it or not I get alot of insite out of this.
By giving a short test or quiz shortly after the
lecture or teaching is done will help the students to identufy their weaknees as well as it will help the instructor in such manner that instructor will know on what he or she have to focus.
By giving a quick quiz on subject matter that has been covered in previous classes we can better understand what our students might be having problems with and then look to emphasizeed the that material in those classes.
Jeff,
Once you have discovered that a particular student, may have performed poorly on their entrance assessment, what procedures/plans do you implement to ensure that they will be able to successfully complete course activities?
Tremayne Simpson
My fellow instructors and I regularly use entrsnce avaluations as well as the in-term and exit evaluations. We find this to be critically inprotant to address the issues with students who are falling behind in the class. Without constant evaluation we are left with a limited set of data to aalyze performance and success in the course material.
Being new to teaching I read your post and decided I like what you do, especially the students comments. I think I will try that in my classes. Thanks
I think the pre-test on Day 1 is a good idea to help determine the students' needs and where they want the course to take them.
I have utilized something very similar. It works well. I like how you have them write a paragraph on what they think is important. I shall start utilizing that as well. Thank you!
I like this idea of calling it a "survey." I need to assess what they remember from the last class, but I don't like the students to get so stressed out over something that probably doesn't count toward their grade. I think I am going to start doing daily pop quizes to keep the students coming on time and to make sure they are doing their homework.
Kathleen,
In order to avoid this, another method is to use a euphemism and title the assessment/test as "survey". This is something that I have done in the past and the simple change in wording, has an impact on their feelings about the assessment. Overall, I was still able to conduct a proper assessment of their previous skills.
Tremayne Simpson
The pretest tends to freak my students out, especially when they have test anxiety, even if it is not being graded.
I agree.
By measuring the student's knowledges I can plan and manage my next classes.
jeannie,
This sounds like an effective strategy. Do you review your questions with the instructor of the prerequisite course, to ensure that the students were taught the appropriate information?
Tremayne Simpson
I start out a new class with 14 question quiz to see what they remember form the last class.
I agree testing is good however I quiz my students on how to incorporate material learned from class into real life situations so that they can relate and remember course matereial.
I think this is a good idea for retention. Students will not usually miss school if there are tests involved.
This is deffinetly helpful. It allows you to know where the classes strengths and weaknesses are. This will enable you to prepare a better lesson plan.
I have also done this recently and it help me identify the students that needed more help.
John,
I agree and I am a huge proponent of providing students with pre and post, diagnostic assessments. It is also a great tool for time management in the course, becausse an instructor can use the results to determine how they should allocate time,for each topic.
Tremayne Simpson
John,
I agree and I am a huge proponent of providing students with pre and post, diagnostic assessments. It is also a great tool for time management in the course, becausse an instructor can use the results to determine how they should allocate time,for each topic.
Tremayne Simpson
