I think a good method of using CATs is to allow time for the students to process what they have learned during that class session.
I think it's great to break up a long lecture, and the students appreciate a break.. It does let me know if they are comprehending class content.
I like the one minute idea. As stated by others CATS gives me an opportuinty to assess my class and makie changes early if needed
Hi Eva- Thanks for your post to the forum. I am certain that you will find using CATs useful. Especially if you make a point of visibly incorporating their feedback and relating it to what they said on CATs, your students will indeed feel that they gave valuable feed-back. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
They are good evaluation tools. I like the minute CAT. This gives a two-way perspective on how the student is learning,and how I am getting the information across to them. This tool could be a good eye opener for all of us.
I am looking forward to incorporating some sort of CAT in my teaching. I think it will serve as a good check for me to see if the students are getting out of the class what I think they are. Also hopefully they will feel valued.
By embedding them in the assignments - using a variety of assignments such as papers, presentations, and "hands on" assignments such as interviewing a professional in their field or volunteering then writing a reaction paper. This gives the instructor to offer feedback and comments on each assignment. It also helps determine right away if students will ge their assignments in by due dates, an important factor in school and work (meeting deadlines) and communicating with the instructor (or boss) when something comes up where they are struggling to get it done.
Hi Salle- Thanks for your post to the forum. I think that you will find your proposal to include a regular end of class assessment to be very worthwhile. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I'd like to try anonymous 5-10 minute assessments at the end of a class period. I believe it would help me prepare more effectively for the next class period and it would give my students some feedback of where to focus their efforts.
Hi Ashley - I have never heard of the "Exit Ticket" but think it's another great example of a CAT. Thanks for sharing! Susan
Hi Gary- Thanks for your post to the forum. Asking students to "teach back" is also an example of an important assessment in itself! The student must really have a firm grasp of the material to be able to teach it to his/her classmates. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I tend to use them as homework first, giving them a real world scenario with moderate guidelines. Once its done, I give feedback to each student individually and allow them to make changes in class as a final grade. It allows me to see who is both understanding content and who is learning the soft skills when it comes to putting forth extra effort.
You can ask your students to share their knowledge that they have learned in your class with their fellow students. They can act as the instructor and then you can evaluate your teaching skills and the students' learning skills by questioning them or giving them a quiz.
Most students really enjoy being the "teacher" and there is no better way for the students to learn than from each other at their own level and speed.
GW
I have found that an exit ticket is a great way to assess where students stand in regards to what you are teaching. By asking 1 or 2 questions and having students answer on a slip of paper that they give to you as they are leaving helps you as an instructor see where your students may be struggling. This technique also allows me to assess my teaching and the students knowledge without them being penalized (through a quiz or test grade). If there is something that is unclear to them, I will review it the next class to try an clear up any confusion.
HI Alissa-Thanks for your post to the forum. I am sure you will find the Minute Paper to be useful!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I really think the minute paper would help my students self evaluate what they have learned and it would give me insight on what needs to be covered more thoroughly. This could also be a great tool helping me break my lecture into 15 minute sessions.
HI Linda-Thanks for your post to the forum. I'm glad that you like the CATs idea and hope that you find it useful in your classroom! Best wishes fir continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I like the idea of the 1/2 page paper it would be a great way to break up a long lecture and it would help me make sure the students are understanding what I am instructing
I prefer to use the interactive discussion appraoch where a student will present a topic and others will offer input. I will summarize at the end of the discussion
it lets me know that what i am teaching is being retained and not just memorized
