I like the idea of "teach- back." I will use this in the future.
Asking questions and take note of the feedback.
Write down what they have learned.
Teaching a radio class can be challenging in that there are not traditional tests to measure students' level of learning throughout the term. I rely on specific and detailed rubrics to assess their skills based on their performances. I also use discussion, performance critiques, and essay papers to gauge where there at in the class. They may like that they don't get a grade on a test each week, but it's actually more work for them because they have to be working hard everyday to get a good grade in the class, not just on test days.
I have the same responsiblity of assessing a student's knowledge, critical thinking, and understanding of the information through a clinical practical exam. It's sometime difficult to assess all of the critical components in a two hour exam, especially with the situation being simulated. We have very specific competencies that need to be signed off. I try to be very creative in the case scenarios so that the skills and understandiing that I need to observe are able to come forth in the time I have with the student. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I like to assign them with a project and make them present it to the class. These can be done individually or pairs and have them present them for the other students. They like the creative aspect ofit and they learn from each other as well. I see a lot of constructive criticism during these sessions
Hi Ghazanfar, Wow! Very creative assignment! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
It takes time to prepare, but a set of questions that can be asked as the class unfolds and also used at the end of the class before dismissing is an effective way of "assessing as we go." My courses are more process than mechanical based, so I use the questions to confirm students have the nuts and bolts needed to solve a problem.
This type of course also allows for more than one problem resolution. I keep my notes on which student(s) answered which question(s), so quantitative socres can be recorede each class.
In my Medical Terminology class, I ask them to write a letter to a friend or family member, using atleast 20 Terms, explaining their inability to attend a reunion because of illness.
In my lab classes, the practical check offs are the best evaluation tools.
Hi Ronna, Thanks for your post to the forum. Skills assessments are so vital for many programs and really give the info on whether students can apply what they are learning. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I utilize hands-on assessments all the time. The students really enjoy the hands-on aspects and really do not realize when they are being assessed and are able to relax more.
Hi Helena, Yes, assessing application skills is really important
especially in career education. Thanks for your post! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Besides the tests,I give students assignments and graded in class activity. Usually I give individual and/or group assignments. They usually give me a better prospective on students creativity and interest in the subject. In class activity, I am mostly using them to assess whether students can apply theoretical knowledge to solve a practical problems.
some students excell with hands on and fair on written tests hands on will tell me who has gotten the most out of the course
Rather than using a traditional testing method, I may have the students use art as a way test. I'll tell the students to paint me a picture. One of the questions will be something like, define blood pressure. What I look for is something resembling force, arteries, blood, walls and anything dealing with the definition.
I think that you can really capture there attention by trying to involve them more and making things easier for them to understand.
This can be a very frustrating experience. Often I try to make lab assignments include some element that the students choose or customize so that straight copying isn't very effective. Unfortunately, there are also many cases where this isn't an option and everyone must produce the same result for one reason or another. In those instances, as you said, monitoring the students' progress throughout the problem solving process is a very effective approach.
Hi Richard, I really like the portfolio approach. It also serves to show students how much they have progressed! Susan
Susan Polick
As a writing instructor, I use the portfolio approach to assess student ability and skill level. Portfolios serve a dual purpose. They allow for both formative and summative assessment so that both the instructor and student can determine progress, and they also empower students to take ownership of their learning process. I provide instruction and assess with the help of a rubric, but students can make choices about how much work they do and have more input in determining their final grade.
Hi Heidi, The lack of those basic skills is a real problem for us as post secondary instructors! Remediation can help but there are obviously limits to what can be done in the short time that our students are with us. Susan
Susan Polick
A skill application test can be useful in assessing students with reading and writing issues. They can do the lab work, but struggle with reading and writing
