Importance of Pretest
Given the diversity of the backgrounds of adult learner's in the post secondary learning environment, I believe I will always give a small pretest that takes just a few minutes just to see where everyone is at. This helps them understand what knowledge and skills they need and if they will need additional instruction/help/practice to succeed in the course. Seems like a really good idea. Not everyone always comes with the appropriate prerequisite knowledge and skills.
Bradford,
Good point about how different learners approach a new study area. I use pretesting to establish a baseline for my new students so I know how to customize my instructional delivery to support their learning needs. Your explanation of how pretesting works for you is supportive of the outcomes I get with using pretesting myself. Thanks for sharing your comments on this strategy.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that many students, especially adults are reluctant to admit they don't know something. I teach construction and solar, so my classes are usually made up of men. Many times they want to portray a certain image. By pretesting them on the material they will be learning as well as the material they should already know. I can determine who has payed attention in the past or who didn't learn based on other teachers teaching methods. I can also use that the create motivation as they begin to learn and retain the material.
Aaron,
I do as well because I want to establish a baseline on my students so I can plan my instructional delivery and content based upon their pretest results.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always give a pretest on past covered material. It is important to see how the students are keeping up on their studies from previous courses
Donna,
I use pretesting to give me a baseline for how I will customize my instruction to meet the learning needs of my current group of students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I give a pretest at the start of each new class. I need to know what areas I need to go over before giving them new material. I teach in the dental assisting program, and when I have the students, they have already take their pre requisites for my class. If they are having difficulty, I find out quickly.
Jason,
I always give my new students a pretest for the reasons you cite. I like having the baseline so I can customize my instruction to meet their specific needs.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
