Pre-test are important for showing the student where they are but more important showing them where they need to be. Helps the instructor know how to approach the class and what level.
Nancy,
the comparison is a great idea as it can help the students realize how far they have come & how much they have learned. Hopefully this carries into other classes in which they might be intimidated but remember that they can have success.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I just started using pre-assessments at the beginning of a term and matching the scores to the course final. Students then had the ability to "see" the amount of improvement which was knowledge learned for the term. This has become a great movitavation for the students. I also during the course added student assessment questions not quizzes (to avoid test anxiety)to help students identify the areas/material that need more attention. This still gives me an idea of where the student is in the course and areas that I need to give extra support.
Barbara,
yes, this is one of those relatively easy things to do, yet it can pay big dividends on helping the students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Pre test is a great idea, so you can really monitor their progress.
Tracy,
this is an excellent point. One of the best ways we can help the struggling learners is to demonstrate our willingness to help them so they will seek our help.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Christina-Rose,
this is a great strategy as it provides that summative evaluation all along the way & you're able to quickly readjust/redirect.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Touching base with students throughout the lecture to make sure they know the terminology being used. I also break the words down into parts, so the students can learn the words in a more basic form. With medical words, this is the most effective way I've found to teach it so far.
Getting to know your students at the beginning of a course is so helpful. I like to learn their names in the first two lectures as I feel that this shows them I am interested. By gaining their trust, they are more apt to open up to me and I can better assess their learning needs.
There are several ways to identify student learning needs, for example by analyzing assignments, taking note of who is participating or disengaged but largely by using formative and summative assessments.
Denise,
this is a good question to ask. I would say, read the class & determine for yourself. While you don't want to embarrass anyone, sometimes being put on the spot, at least a little, is good for us.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have a skills class that I have been making up index cards with a question or concept and having students read/discuss their card and perhaps making an interjection myself occasionally.They seem to like and get involved. However, does this put some on "the spot" too much?
Darlene,
the questioning method is a great one & I try to make sure that I keep forcing the students to think deeper on the ideas & not let them off with an easy answer.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
One of the ways I assess student learning needs is through class discussion. A lot can be learned just by asking the right kind of questions and then listening to responses. I also use a more formal method like a pretest to go along with discussion.
Clay,
this is a great strategy to develop thinking skills as well as be able to assess their writing.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Joe,
this really is a great way to conduct informal assessments along the way. It also helps the students stay engaged with the content.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I agree quizzes is a great way to access students learning,I think calling on the students randomly in class haveing them speak on the subject is another good way of seeing how well they are comprehending.
I typically have the students wright a short essay about a local graphic design studio. This helps establish reading writing comprehension.
Brenda,
I really like the idea of pretests as I can then determine where the students are & how I can best help them move forward.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I gave pretest at the biginning of my classes. It helps me determine the difficulty students might have further in the course.
