Using CATs as sources of instructor and student feedback
Classroom assessment techniques (CATs) are important sources of feedback for both instructors and students. How can you incorporate these techniques into your teaching and how can you use them to give feedback to your students?
Hi Daniel, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, sharing the results of CATs and how you intend to use them is essential. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I will use the information gained from my CATs to make changes to my lectures and exams. If my results show that I am not spending enough time on subject “X†then I can update my lecture or remove that topic from my exam altogether and let my students know the results of the CATs
Hi Lori, I know you will find CATs a useful addition to your teaching.
Susan Polick
I have not used these in the past, but look forward to using them in the future. We go through a lot of information very quickly , and this will help me to make sure the students are keeping up with me .
Hi Candace - Thanks for your post to the forum. Since the purpose of CATs is to give both us and our students feedback, maintaining anonymity is essential. What is really important is that you use that feedback to demonstrate to your students that you are incorporating that feedback. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Cats will help the student stay current with assignments and/or reading which with help with the final exams. The course says not to grade but I think it would be better to grade to have the students take this seriously. Could it work without a grade?
Students should know that their feedback is important therfore implementing what was received from CATs will ultimately build the students confidence to being open about learning.You want your students to know that it's not only the instructor who dishes out the teaching but it works both ways. Getting to know your students by assessments is a great way for your students to feel and know that you in it to help them to become successful in and outside the classroom.
I liked the idea of giving a 3x5 card to the students and asking them to write down what the have learned so far in the class. It makes you realize that a 3x5 card is not large enough to cover all that has been learned. I think that would give the students a huge sense of accomplishment because they would realize how much that they have learned.
Hi Holly, You mention an important point - we really need to be sure that our students realize we are utilizing their input. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I really liked the minute paper idea and plan to use it to give feedback at the beginning of the next class by reviewing any unanswered questions. This can serve multiple purposes, such as letting the students know I value their input, see what topics still need clarification and look for any trends, and give me immediate feedback as well.
CATs may be incorportated by conducting pre-tests at the beginning of the course. You may also use student bio's to assess the level of pre-existing knowledge the class may have on the course topic.
I've read a number of the strings ni this conversation. I like the idea of CATs to help the students progress in the course and for me as an nistructor to have an understanding of where the student is. I could use some suggestions, as a newer instructor, on different types of CATs that I can use.
Hi James, Thanks for your post to the forum. As you state, that "up-front" information can really assist us to plan our lessons!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I think (cats) as a background knowledge probe to see what students know or dont know about the next course the instructor is teaching. its a great tool to see where all the students are in the learning curve.
Hi Laura, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, the timely feedback we get from CATs like the Minute Paper is vital to guiding our instruction. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I plan on incorporating CATs into my lesson plan. One topic I teach is particularly difficult to grasp. The minute paper at the end of class will assist in evaluating how well I have taught the topic, as well as how well the students have grasped the concept. The minute paper will also give me the ability to review comments and address any questions at the beginning of the next class/lecture.
I like to incorporate these at least twice a week so the students stay up with the material
Simply because it directly identifies the students level in the class so the student will make it a point to improve themselves for a better future
