I totally agree.I love the Minute Paper as an assessment tool !
Giving a quick pretest at the start of class is a useful evaluation of student comprehension, and allows the instructor to re-evaluate how the material is delivered, should the need arise. By doing this, it would be easier to offer feedback to students based on their level of understanding.
I also use this method in my classes. It allow me to give immediate feedback to the class. This has also helped the grade average in my classes because the student tell the next group of students coming in what the expectations are in the class.
Hi Jennifer, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, CATs give us really valuable information that helps us tailor our instruction. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I think using these at the beginning or end of class will show who read the assignments, is prepared for class, and paid attention during class. At the beginning of a new topic or term it would give me insight into whether any students are already familiar with the topic.
I test my students with an electronic exam. these exams are generated by the program and every student will get a different exam.
I will use CATS every segment at the beginning of the class to make sure that everyone is on the same page with what has been instructed up to that point. Then take the feedback and apply it to that days instruction. Cover more what was lacking as a whole to the whole class and then during independent activities help those who might be struggling more.
At the school were Im an instrotor we have turned our Midterms into a (CAT) and I think it is working pretty good
I agree also. I like to give them in the start of class to see if the students grasped the information from the day before,this way to if I need to go over something, I know what the students had trouble grasping.
Hi Kenneth,That is excellent way to demonstrate progress to students!
Susan Polick
This is very important to get correct CATs. it can help individual student to evaluate him/herself and instructor know what he should do to students and how can improve their knowledge.
It is difficult in a studio or lab class to offer CAT's, however I have used an evaluation method of pulling out the work from the first week or from the week before to compare. I use this comparison tool to create a discussion and as a form of in class evaluation.
I found this to be a useful tool at the start of each class reviewing the information gone over the previous day. It allows me to know how many were listening and got it and if I need to modify the days lecture and allows the student to identify where he or she is at with the information shared.
Hi Katherine, I am happy that you have found this class useful! Good luck with CATs!
Susan Polick
Hi Katherine, Those pre-assessments are indeed helpful to gauge starting points.
Susan Polick
I simply love the idea of CATS and have never heard of this before. I don't do classroom teaching only clinical, but if I have the opportunity, I would incorporate many of the examples sited in this course. The minute paper is a great feedback idea for the instructor and a way to address questions from the student without someone feeling awkward asking. The background knowledge probe would help me tailor my classroom presentation according to what the students might already know. I would do this at the end of the session, so I would know the next time we meet how I might include the students' knowledge into the presentation. The punctuated lectures will also have merit especially if the class is looking confused or bored. I love the idea of bringing the students'feedback into the presentation. I especially am pleased that CATs are ungraded. I know usually the classroom instructors do quizzes first thing to make sure the students have read the material prior to class which is many times necessary to get the students to prepare ahead of time, but I can definitely see how the use of CATs can be incorporated and used effectively. So glad I took this course. It will help me with my future teaching career.
I really like the idea of the background knowledge probe. Many of the students in our programs are from a diverse background and it would be very helpful to know what the students already know. That information could be used to enhance my teaching of the material. I would love to try this at the end of the class to help me prepare for the next class.
I really like the idea of the background knowledge probe. Many of the students in our programs are from a diverse background and it would be very helpful to know what the students already know. That information could be used to enhance my teaching of the material. I would love to try this at the end of the class to help me prepare for the next class.
i've started to incorporate the "mylabs" into class, where students can repeatedly attempt exercises and get instant feedback if they are correct or not. i am still present, and answer any questions they have when trying to apply the information learned.
CAT's are effective in that both the student and instructor has a quick, easy look at what is being understood and learned and what needs to be reviewed, revisited or taught in another way because it is not being learned. I have know the concept but have never heard them referred to as CAT's .
