pretests
when pretesting, how do relieve test anxiety
Cornelius,
Yes they are. I also use my pretest results to customize my instruction to that group of students. This way I and they are more focused during the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Pretests are just an assessment method. I let students know that it will be compared to the post test to determine growth in learning.
Richard,
I use pretests in my courses for the reasons you state. They give me a base from which I can plan my instruction in way that starts where the students are. Gets the students off to a good start early in the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I very much agree, I as a Automotive Instructor do like to give pre tests to get a base of the students knowledge of the course contect and I thing they also like to know where they also stand.
I strongly agreed that students will recognize that the instructor is showing that he/she is very supportive of his/her students understanding the course contents.
Jonathan,
That is the approach I use as well. It has worked very well for me. What has been your feedback on using a pretest?
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Knowing that the pretest won't be a part of their overall grade should curb the anxiety greatly.
I explain to the students that it is only a diagnostic tool and encourage honesty.
Kimberly,
Right you are. Knowing they have a caring and supportive instructor is a great comfort to the students as they come into a new course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Stressing the importance of the pretest in the instructor's preparation for the class can help students feel from the beginning that the instructor is doing everything they can to help students succeed.
David,
This is a good point and one that the students respond to. They can see the value of sharing what they know at the beginning of the course so the instructor can better customize instruction to meet their specific needs.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Given the fact that pretesting is not a graded item, students are willing to take it. In this way,instructors can adapt their information, teaching styles and assignments to students educational needs.
Kirstie,
One way is through the instructions you give. Let the students know the pretesting is for your instructional planning. Tell them you need to know what experiences and competencies they are bringing into the classroom. I use pretesting a lot and my students like to tell me what they know about the upcoming course. This sets their nervous at ease and they provide me with really good input.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
