I think it is useful to incorporate any one of these techniques into the teaching process; that will help you assess the level of attention of the students and how well the information was understood. Also for the instructor, it can provide feed back on students's learning style.
I enjoy the fact that CATS can easily be done quickly and with a little practice can be administered in so many places anywhere in the lecture process.
You can have a "pop" quizes on the assigned reading to allow the student to reflect on reading material and promote reading outside of the class. You can ask questions that will allow the students to have an open forum to discuss a topic and make connections between the topic and their own personal experiences in life.
Hi Bobby - Using questioning throughout a lesson is definitely the way to go! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Heather - Thanks for your post to the forum and for sharing a good use for CATs! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I have used the minute paper @ the beginning of classes to recall the information we have talked about the session before(or any part of the class). I like this method because I can review if it is needed.
I ask questions throughout the lecture to get an understanding of how my students are receiving/comprehending the new information. I have found that asking questions at the beginning and ending also gives me feedback as to how my students are learning.
Hi Ray - Thanks for your post to the forum. Actually even though I was born 60 years ago and there was not much technology, I wish my teachers had used more CATs! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Vanessa - Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, CATs are like barometers of how we and our students are performing! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I agree this is the same method I use. They need to be made aware of how much they are learning and you can see how well they are understanding and how well you are delivering the info
In the times of immediate feedback, it is necessary for the instructor to get feedback just as quickly as the student. Using information in a CAT format is imperative to keeping up with this new generation...
After breaks, I ask the students relevant questions pertaining to the material that was gone over prior to the break. This helps me to better gauge the students ability to retain information. Then I will ask the questions again at the end of class. It allows me to adjust my techniques if I noticed that they more often do not retain the information as they should be.
I use this when teaching Emeergency Procedures and this helps me to see what the students have learned and what I need to reinforce. This is very helpful in these skills as the students will have to know how to handle themselves in an emergency situation.
Hi Frank - Bravo - great teaching!! Susan
Susan, during the start of class I go over a list of items that they are going to learn that day, and during the class i ask question about thematrial as i teach. At the end of class is again go over the list and ask pointed question about the material, i try to make sure that all students have answered a question.
Using CATs is a valuable tool for both instructors aand students. In the beginning of class we do a review of the material covered in the previous class then we tie that into the new material. Students seem to become really engaged when providing scenerios and examples of material we have previously covered. We also brainstorm on the new material by placing information on the board we already know. Students seem to glow when they bring material to the table as well.
HI Regina- Thanks for your post to the forum. Stopping to ask questions as you lecture is essential and something that often newer instructors fail to do. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I usually ask questions as I teach which keeps the students actively imvolved in the learning process.
Hi Jennifer- Thanks for your post to the forum. The crossword puzles must take a lot of time for you to create but what a great idea!! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I use many CATs in my instructional style. However, the one my students seem to enjoy the most is the crossword puzzle. They actually look forward to it! I always have a content-based crossword puzzle to give them after a power point presentation. First, they attempt it without the word bank. I have noticed a correlation between the students who pay attention and take good notes and the completion of the puzzle without a word bank. Most importantly, the students are also seeing this connection as well.
Jennifer
