Pre-test
The idea of a pre-test the first day or shortly after sounds like a good idea. Often the students are hesitant to describe themselves well on first introduction. As I teach a technology course it would be helpful to have some idea about the range of knowledge or lack thereof that I'm dealing with.
Tommy,
This is why I use pretesting in my classes. The results are the baseline from which I plan my instructional content and delivery.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Pre-testing a course woukd enable me to get a feel of where the class was on knowledge of the content Letting me as an instrutor better present the course.
Priscilla,
I use pretesting for the reason you state. They give me an idea of what the knowledge base is of the students that are coming into the course and I can then plan my instruction accordingly.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think that pre-test can help both the instructor and the student. It helps the instructor get a baseline and it gives the students a preview of my testing style.
Dr.Randy,
I use pre-testing in my courses for the same reasons you state. The results give me a baseline from which to plan my content. I am able to customize my content to the current group of students because I know what knowledge they are bringing into the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have used pre-test successfully in my science classes. I make sure to include easy/remedial questions so that all students can answer at least some questions. The more difficult questions help me to determine how much background I need to cover before getting into the course content.
A benefit of a pretest can identify a student who may require additional guidance and help identify potential students who have “anxiety†when testing. Also you have time to implement additional teaching styles to ensure that all students receive and comprehend the material.
I like the idea of getting a baseline, how ever I do see the where it could be troubling for those students that don't test well.
Heather,
You make a good point about pretesting. I use pretests with my students but I set the stage that I am looking to see how I can target their learning needs more accurately and customize my instruction for them. This reduces the pressure on those students that are already worried about their ability to be successful in the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The only downfall I see is for those students that come into the class and are not confident to start with and they do poorly on the pretest. Otherwise I see it as being a valuable tool.
Vance,
I pretest my students and as a result I have a baseline from which I can complete my instructional planning. It gives me an idea of where to start and then build from there.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
