Pretests
I have discovered that by giving students small pretests or quizzes during the term, along with extensive reviewing, they seem to do much better on their final exams.
Donald,
I have used this approach as well with my classes. When "shorter-ranged" quizzes/tests are provided, students are "forced" to consistently study their notes, which can lead to higher grades on exams.
Tremayne Simpson
I agree, recently I have been using Engrade with pop quizzes and I have kept them short and the feedback from the students have been great. They are very short and it allows them to use their book but the time is the only challenge that they have. And it keeps it fun and exciting for them.
My students take a quiz weekly on the topics covered previoulsy. I think this helps to boost their grade, show their weeknesses and give them study aids for midterms and finals.
I have not used pretest before. We simply do not have time to complete them in class. So instead, I'm going to start utilizing the online homework and test through the textbook website. I believe the online material will be a huge advantage to my students.
I created some online tests and it's pretty convenient. I think I will apply online pre tests.
I really like this idea, as we have access to Engrade as well. We recently tried smaller quizzes with another subject and they did somewhat better. The issue for us is while studying our more "intense" subjects, taking in class time can be difficult. I think Engrade times quizzes would be great.
Elizabeth,
I agree. Online testing can assist in saving "valuable" class time and can be used to encourage the students to utilze their course portals.
Tremayne Simpson
Harmony,
In addtion, check the functionality of your institution's student portal. Many portal systems are equipt with online testing and grading tools for instructors.
Tremayne Simpson
I agree with you,it allows the student to review and it lets you see-as the instructor what is being retained by the students. This helps you and your students.what do you suggest if your assesment is of balanced?
Pre test are a good way to take the stress out of what test and quizes that are to come it helps a student feel a little easy of knowing they passed the pre test they know how to study the actual test
I find that pretests are as important as final exams for a number of reasons. Pretests introduce students to material in a non-graded way. Students can find their shortcomings, and therefore, practice for their real exams. They can also find lectures more structured, since they know what they are searching for when they learn.
Benjamin,
I agree with this idea. Ideally, final exams should serve as "post-diagnostics" to serve as a measurement for student learning in the course. The "pre-test/diagnostic" should serve as the catalyst for establishing the student's prior level of subject knowledge.
Tremayne Simpson
i have yet to use a pretest. sounds like a great tool for getting to know where your group of students is with the pending subject matter. i guess the challenge is to keep it fun and engaging enough but not to cause stress. i'll definitely try to incorporate this into my course.
I have not tried pretests yet. I think it would be great to give me an idea about what I really need to teach that particular group of students. I believe it would also help introduce them to the subject material.
I agree. Students sometimes do not understand that information contained in the specific program or course should connect. They may have a course in terminology several months ago and will not recall certain terms. When having the students to understand that it all connects they will perform better. Pre-testing will help!
Charles,
Pretests can be "masked" within fun, student activities. For instance, a well-placed collaborative assignment can be used to evaluate student prior knowledge and comprehension of the subject.
Tremayne Simpson
Corliss,
To produce awareness (within students), it is important that an instructor discusses the alignment of the course and program learning outcomes. This can serve as a reminder for the student that the course will play a major role, not only in future classes, but also in their desired career.
Tremayne Simpson
giving a pretest can give you an idea of what the students know now and how much you may need to spend on a subject
I have found that pretest gives me heads up on how much my students know and the level of knowledge they have on the class they are in.
