To assess what my students, each week I do what they call the "Muddest point", this give the student the opportunity to discuss what they have learned from the lesson from that week,also a way I can help improve with their career. I also take a way to improve my approach to reach all.
I think by a simple, open-ended question and answer test, by observation, a writing assesment, and reviewing previous test scores. This information provides me with an understanding of the students learning needs and how to help them.
Michelle,
I think the key to what you are saying is being aware of each of our students & their various needs, etc.
Dr. Ryan Meers
By watching them during lecture to see if they are participating or if they are being left behind. I think that their quiz and exam scores will show their weaknesses as well.
If a student frequently has no understanding of questions that I asked in class I will schedule one-on-one time to gain more insite to their challenges. Is it reading, understanding of complex concepts, vocabulary, study habits,etc.
Once I am to determine what their challenges are we can work together on an success plan. Weekly reviews facilitated by the instructor, encourage small student study groups, personal tutoring if available, and study techniques and aides have all helped in the past.
Giving the students a pre-test/assessment prior to class. Know the students learning style.
Before I start the course chapters I give them pre-tests and after the chapters are discussed I give post tests. The students can compare their scores before and after and realize the amount of learning that has taken place.
On the first day of class, I ask students how they learn best. This sometimes bring students to my attention. I also look at test/quiz scores and start meeting with students individually to see how I can help them be successful.
We are told not to single out students with learning needs. They are to come to us and then we send them to the learning center. This is a difficult situation because often the students with learning needs do not realize they have needs until they are failing the class. We now use an online grading system so we can monitor from day one of the course what the grade is. The students can also go online daily and see their grades and assignments that are missing. This helps.
I wholeheartedly agree with Steve's idea...and like you said it's a great way to provide a safe environment, a nonthreatening approach to assist the student. Will definitely try this in class.
Steve, thank you for the great idea of using an index card and having the student write down how I can be of assistance to them. I also, assess my students learning needs the very first day of class. Thank you for sharing.
Amanda,
this is a great strategy & sounds like it can help gauge learning challenges as well just giving a great overall picture of where the class stands.
Dr. Ryan Meers
dawn,
this is a great strategy to build on the previous day, reinforce that learning & also help the students see the connections between each day's material.
Dr. Ryan Meers
A quick assessment to evaluate student learning needs is to give them a brief questionaire @ orientation of the course. Giving them basic questions that are not intimidating and relevant to the course can give you insight into a student's reading comprehension, math skills, and writing skills. The students she be told that this assessment will not be graded and will be anonymous. Students should not put their names on the paper. This gives me some idea of how to deliver the course content and if I need to give a brief lesson on basic skills.
I do questions of the day. They cover items that we will be talking about that day. A simple question to start them to think on the subjects
I agree.. I do a daily quiz of things learned in the previous class assignments and I add to that everyday
Miriam,
Yes, I highly recommend that if we feel one of our students is struggling to talk to former instructors & see what may have worked in the past.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I use a number of methods for assessing student learning needs. In the beginning of a class I like to use a pre-test. Most of the time this is a short subjective quis or a multiple choice question quiz to see where they stand on the topic. Sometimes I come out and just ask the students. Additionally, depending on the class and if I am substituting I will ask the teacher where they are at on her lesson plan. I had an opportunity to substitute at a private Christian school before being hired by my current employer and I went to each teacher and asked for an outline of the material or work she wanted to be covered and the list of homework to be given out. By doing this it made it easier for me to interact with the students and not feel rushed to do all of the work.
Reading submitted works: When a session begins their submitted works may not be of expected quality. But, with positive feedback and recommendations, by the end of the session they usually submit a higher quality paper.
One students does seem to higlight areas, not the point needed. I am going to try to makes bullet items on the side board
