In my hospitality management technology class, I incorporate both a practical and written exam once we conclude a unit. For example, the written exam provides more of the key terminology and methodology of the program unit that the student should know. The practical will assess more of their application of new information learned. I find that if I didn't have the latter, the student would not retain the information--it's all about the application of learned information that provides the best assessment, especially in technical college classes.
I like the minute paper idea, especially one unanswered question. It will alow me to better understand what my students are getting out of the class and if my focus is in the right place, also if I am missing anything of importance.
Hi Douglas - Welcome to ED 103! I'm glad that you found the minformation about CATs useful. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
we use those assessment in every single class especially in the culinary field.and we give a summative evaluation at he end of each class.
I incorporate a daily rubric at the end of class where the students bring their finished pastry products to the front (randomly) and I critique them. We discuss what went right or wrong with the products and what possible mistakes were made be it mis-scaling, improper technique, or timing. It not only helps to reinforce the importance of all 3 issues when wanting a successful product but helps them understand what to watch out for when it comes time to assess the product for a grade, especially if the primary mistake made was made by a majority.
I really had touble trying to answer this one. To be honest I read the other answers and am glad I did. I see now how CATS can be used. Great ideas especially the using no names or using email. I have used simple test or quizzes most of time. Now I see a better way to assess my students knowledge in a more passive way.
Students need to be reminded of their sucess and also where they can improve. To often there is not enough assesment of their work throughout the cycle. Assesment is the only way for the student to gauge their skill level. If the student does not receive assesment then they could be in for a big suprise if their learning style does not allow them to gather the necessary information.
if you have prepared CAT assessments in advance to fit into the course the student come to expect them. they can be very helpful to keep students on task.
Hi Dan - welcome to ED 103! Anytime you can get feedback from your students is a golden opportunity- well done! Best wishes - Susan
I often give a little survey to my student that they can fill up pretty fast, stating 2 questions. the first one is to list the 3 best things they learn in my class, and the scond the 3 worst things they learn, the all thing is anonimus. after that I go through it to find out what % of answer is the most comon and try to discuss that with the students to find out where to improve and what to reinforce, or what is a keeper...
Since CAT's are ungraded and used to help both the teacher and student understand the progress and comprehension of the presented curriculum, i find them extremely helpful in my courses. I always use a "Punctuated Lecture" or BackroundnKnowledge Probe" to access the students thoughts and applications of a manual activity which is the final days activity learned through lecture and demonstations. The students love to describe other methods and techniques that may apply to the same application(panfrying/braising). This questioning allos me to find out both how my lectures meet student learning levels, and their comprehention of daily learning activities.
Bobby
Hi Rachel- welocme to ED 103! I agree that "Pop Quizzes" can be really useful as long as your students know that they will happen. Best wishes- Susan
To do a CAT technique I have done pop quizzes this has been very good for the students it helps them retain their information more frequently as long as the instructor does tell them at the beginning of the course that there is the possibility of pop up quizzes.
Hi Amy - i agree completely! Also in the course of changing their routine faculty often find that they are more excited about their teaching. Trying new things is almost always invigorating.
Feedback (for both faculty and students) is an important part of the process. Specifically focusing on faculty, after teaching the same course over and over again, it's easy to fall into a pattern. While this pattern may fit last quarter's group, this quarter is markedly different. Faculty need that 'wake up' every once in a while.
Hi Brenda - the review that you conduct after something doesn't work is really important as they will remember not to make that same mistake again.
in baking and pastry class it is easy to assess.
if it doesn't work then you know.
then I review with the student to understand where they went wrong. then they tell me how they will do it differently. they start again
Hi Karla - I think that using frequent quizzes is a great way to check up on how the class is doing before too much material is covered.
One way that I can incorporate these techniques is by doing a mid-week mini quiz. For example, include questions of concepts or techniques that were covered in class and the results will give me a better idea how much the class has learned and retained. By giving the students those results back, they can see where they stand, how much they have learned, or need to study and review more.
Since we have a set curriculum for our 12 week classes we have tested a variety of different assessment processes. We have developed the assessment in conjunction with Cummins Inc. which dictates the form and evaluation process. Students are tested both on areas covered for the week and hands on qualification for those area. In combination with the classroom lectures the student also have to complete online training that also has an assessment at the end of each module.
