I use an application method for evaluation. Dealing with nontraditional students in a career school, I find it is more important for them to see how something is used and what processes need to be followed so they can relate their learning to what they will be doing in the field.
I feel hands on is one of the best ways of learning. I have students teach a chapter for final review which aids in their learning.
Hi Billie Kay, Thanks for your post to the forum. Do you have your students go through process writing where they come up with a thesis etc. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
Susan Polick
That is a very useful guideline, Jessica. I teach English and often "workshop" a paper with a student during which we read the paper together and discuss the positives and negatives. I always tell students they have an opportunity to improve their paper and resubmit it after the workshop. I think I need to build in more stepping-stone practices in addition to a rewrite to make sure the student really understands and will improve upon the particular skills and knowledge under discussion.
In our program, we have to do simulated/hands on exams before our students can go out to a clinical site for training. It is not enough to only be able to answer written questions. Students have to be able to physically apply the knowledge they are learning.
I personally enjoy daily journals. You provide the student with the objective and they must answer how they recieved/accomplished/completed the objective in the class period.
Practical Exams are very useful and a wonderful assessment test. Hands on. Show me what skills you have learned.
My teaching world is classroom instruction taken to a clinical setting. This is a crucial assessment process since not all academic students are good hands on clinical students.
Hi Charles, Thanks for your post to the forum and for sharing a great suggestion! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Jackie, Thanks for your post to the forum. Skills assessment does indeed give us "the bottom line". Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
When I get a new batch of students I have them introduce them selves to the group, in addition to the introduction I ask them to say ,briefly, what they hope to gain from this course. This reveals what students needs are and allows me to help customize the experience for them.
Since my subject matter is skill-based, it is a necessity for me to have skills assessment as part of the grading criteria for my students. Without it, there would be no point in teaching the coursework. Being part of observing their growth from day 1 through to the end of the course and being able to skills test them throughout is invaluable for making sure what I am teaching them is "sinking in" and being polished into the "end product" skills they will need when they graduate.
I like to use hands on assessments too. I have learned that it takes 8 repetitions of a skill before anyone can store it to their long term memory. So, I teach the skill verbally, have them read the instructions of the skill, demonstrate the skill and then finally have them practice. After they have practiced enough times to equal 8 repetitions I will allow them to "test out on it". If they can desribe the precedrue that is good but actually performing it is what will benefit them in the field.
Hi Ronald, Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that CATs are a very valuable assessment technique. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
As a massage therapist instructor, hands on is the best way of learning, however lectures are necessary and for that reason I do use the CAT assessment technique. by asking the students what was learned in the previous class, I can see what they have retained and review what they have forgotten.... it seems to work very well for the students.
you can always have the hands on assessment. allowing the class to show u what has been learned is good. they hv now taken the info and applied it.
Hi Linda, That is excellent! Having your students apply what they are learning moves them to higher order thinking and also will improve their retention of the concepts.
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I like to give my students scenarios that require them to use the information they have used in order to get them to think and not just regurgitate facts. facts are great, butnot if you can't apply them!
critical thinking and commonsense is very important for agoodlearning prosess
Hi Nicole, Thanks for your post to the forum. I know that your students will enjoy "teaching-back" and that it will be great for their retention of concepts and skills. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
