Susan Polick

Hi Michael- Thanks for your post to the forum. You have a very well structured plan for assessment! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan

Michael Weiner

Given that I generally teach "hard" classes (those that have only one correct answer such as Business Math, Finance, Micro & Macroeconomics) I find that multiple choice questions are the best though I use problems that the students must calculate the answer to in Business Math. I give quizzes at the end of each chapter and a practice mid-term and practice final the class IMMEDIATELY befor the mid-term and final. I find these give me a better understanding of where the student is and where they need help and of course demonstrates to the student where they are deficient.
Also, I have a fairly unique grading system where if I have quizzes, a mid-term, and a final,
each of these are weighted equally (1/3) UNLESS the student does better on the final. Then the final is counted twice making the quizzes and mid-term 25% each and the final 50%. I find this helps retention and gives the student the hope of reovering at the end when everything may come together.

Susan Polick

Hi Amy- I agree, flashcards are an excellent way to help students be able to use just a tidbit of information as a marker that enables them to be able to relate the full set of information that goes with that small piece. Best wishes! Susan

amy ponzoli CHEP

I pass out flash cards and give them time the day before a test to transfer their notes. Small bites of info, i.e. flash cards, seem to help my students understand more.

Susan Polick

Hi Cecelia- Welcome to ED 103! Does your school have any study skills sessions? Encouraging your students to take notes and perhaps collecting and grading notes may also help them to learn how to prepare for exams. Best Wishes! Susan