Assessment , evaluation and practices
Classroom Assessment Techniques: Quick Strategies
Classroom assessment techniques (CAT) are relatively quick and easy formative evaluation methods that help you check student understanding in “real time”. These formative evaluations provide information that can be used to modify/improve course content, adjust teaching methods, and, ultimately improve student learning. Formative evaluations are most effective when they are done frequently and the information is used to effect immediate adjustments in the day-to-day operations of the course.
When CATs are used frequently, they can have the following impacts for faculty:
- provide day-to-day feedback that can be applied immediately;
- provide useful information about what students have learned without the amount of time required for preparing tests, reading papers, etc.;
- allow you to address student misconceptions or lack of understanding in a timely way;
- help to foster good working relationships with students and encourage them to understand that teaching and learning are on-going processes that require full participation.
For students, CATs can:
- help develop self-assessment and learning management skills;
- reduce feelings of isolation, especially in large classes;
- increase understanding and ability to think critically about the course content;
- foster an attitude that values understanding and long-term retention;
- show your interest and support of their success in your classroom.
CATs fall into three broad categories based on what they are used to evaluate:
- Course-related knowledge and skills
- student attitudes, values, and self-awareness
- Reactions to instruction methods
Following is a chart that indicates what the CAT is intended to evaluate, its name, how each is conducted, what to do with the information you collect, and an estimate of how much time is required to complete it.
Course-related knowledge and skills
Includes: prior knowledge, recall and understanding; analysis and critical thinking skills; synthesis and creative thinking skills; problem-solving skills; and application and performance skills
Name
How It's Done
How to Use
Time Needs
One-Minute Paper*
During last few minutes of a class period, ask students to use a half-sheet of paper and write “Most important thing I learned today and what I understood least.”
Review before next class meeting and use to clarify, correct, or elaborate.
Low
Muddiest Point*
Similar to One-Minute Paper but only ask students to describe what they didn’t understand and what they think might help.
Same as One-Minute Paper. If many had the same problem, try another approach.
Low
Chain Notes*
Pass around a large envelope with a question about the class content. Each student writes a short answer, puts it in the envelope, and passes it on.
Sort answers by type of answer. At the next class meeting, use to discuss ways of understanding.
Low
Application Article
During last 15 minutes of class, ask students to write a short news article about how a major point applies to a real-world situation. An alternative is to have students write a short article about how the point applies to their major.
Sort articles and pick several to read at next class, illustrating a range of applications, depth of understanding, and creativity.
Medium
Student-generated test questions*
Divide the class into groups and assign each group a topic on which they are each to write a question and answer for the next test. Each student should be assured of getting at least one question right on the test.
Use as many of the questions as possible, combining those that are
similar.
Medium
Student attitudes, values, and self-awareness
Includes: students’ awareness of their own values and attitudes; students’ awareness of their own learning processes; and course-related learning and study skills awareness
Name
How It's Done
How to Use
Time Needs
Journals
Ask students to keep journals that detail their thoughts about the class. May ask them to be specific, recording only attitudes, values, or self-awareness.
Have students turn in the journals several times during the semester so you can chart changes and development.
Medium
Student attitudes, values, and self-awareness
Includes: students’ awareness of their own values and attitudes; students’ awareness of their own learning processes; and course-related learning and study skills awareness
Name
How It's Done
How to Use
Time Needs
Suggestion Box
Put a box near the classroom door and ask students to leave notes about any class issue.
Review and respond during the next class session.
Low to Medium
Exam Evaluations*
Select a test that you use regularly and add a few questions at the end which ask students to evaluate how well the test measures their knowledge or skills.
Make changes to the test that are reasonable. Track student responses over time.
Medium
Student Rep Group
Ask students to volunteer to meet as a small group with you on a regular basis to discuss how the course is progressing, what they are learning, and suggestions for improving the course.
Some issues will be for your information, some to be addressed in class.
High
Peer Review
Work with a willing colleague, pick a representative class session to be observed and ask the colleague to take notes about his/her impression of the class, your interactions with students, and your teaching methods.
Decide method with the colleague. A discussion is best, but a written report may be more useful in the long term.
High
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