In one of my courses I provide a learning assessment as a graded assignment. This learning tool aides the student with defining their receptive learning style; visual/graphic, read/write, auditory/verbal and tactile/kinesthetic. It enables me as an instructor to diversify my teaching methods depending on the varied needs, which allows me the opportunity to provide guidance to the student on best study and learning practices, based on their personal assessment.
I like pre-tests as a way to get information about students' needs, that is going to give me an idea about their preparation and needs.
Brian,
this is a great idea & I really like the idea of "what you expect to learn" as this helps set the stage & expectations.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I will always give a pre-assessment and a "what you expect to learn" usually in the what you expect to learn document you can really get a handle on vocabulary mastery that they have about your subject area.
Kimberly,
yes, & the key to this is being aware & intentional in our assessment & knowledge of our students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Pretests are a great way to start but I also like to see how students function in group settings and I might try to do a mixture of a pretest and a small group project to understand where the students strength is.
Irum,
these are great strategies to make sure you understand your students & know how best to serve them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Before starting the lecture I actually do a oral pretesting of each student which gives me the idea of how and what to teach them. Then I give them class activities which tells me how much they were able to absorb.
Stephen,
and sometimes it helps us modify the content to meet the needs.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I also do a pre-course assessment quiz. It allows me to assess where there are deficiencies to keep them from getting the full benefit from my class. I adjust accordingly by reviewing areas in which there are weaknesses.
I also like the pretesting method. It gives a nice picture to reference for the upcoming material to be covered and what aids to be used that you would think would be best depending on their needs.
Jaclyn,
these are great points made here, especially the idea of looking at their notes as this can be a great insight into their learning processes.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I will first watch the students closely during lecture to monitor any confusion or glazed over eyes. If they come to me worried about their comprehension of the subject and their grade I will ask to see their class notes. their notes can give me a great idea of what they are picking up most during class. I will also use my tutoring time to figure out what works best for them as far as learning styles go and work with them to surpass any disabilities or difficulties they have with learning. I truly believe hard work can overcome any challenges they will find in the classroom.
Jeremy,
pre-tests are a great way to determine the knowledge & understanding level going into the material.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I like to use pre-tests. They help me understand the student's current level of understanding. It also shows me what they have in terms of a background relating to the course.
Williams,
these are both great ideas as it helps you prepare for the class & also provides that ongoing evaluation/feedback to make sure they are truly "getting it."
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Pretesting is very great idea because it helps you to direct your teaching from the known to the unknown. In addition to pretesting I like to give out short quizzes intermittently to check if students understand the content delivered. This gives me the chance to identify and explain the content not well understood by students. Not only that, but also give out practical lab activities which helps students to understand the content delivered and its practical application.
Brittany,
and you know that all styles are present in your classes so this will help all of your students be successful.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
By offering different learning strategies to the class, you will be able to assess the learning abilities that work best for the students.
