Pre-assessment
Learn what the students know
Before beginning a new topic, concept or subject in a course, find out what students already know about the topic. Even though their knowledge may be partial or incorrect, finding out what their understandings are and adjusting teaching strategies to build on or correct misperceptions will enhance their learning.
Strategies for finding out
The strategies for determining what students know can be quick, simple and timely. Have students answer an open ended question in a one minute write, or on a 3”x5” card and turn them in. Have students respond with a show of hands or using clicker technology. Ask several students to come up to the whiteboard and work a problem in front of the class and have students use a show of hands to agree or disagree with the solution, or ask students to name the principle behind an example flashed on a powerpoint slide. These are just a few of many ways to elicit feedback quickly, even in a large course setting.
Use what you learn to revise teaching
Once the student perspective is elicited, be sure to use it to tailor your teaching to the needs of the class. Dispel misconceptions, further explain areas of weakness, and reduce time for areas where students already understand. New faculty members who utilize pre-assessment strategies will be better instructors for having done so.
Classroom Assessment Technique Examples
Angelo, T. & Cross, K., (1993).Classroom Assessment Techniques: A Handbook for College Teachers, 2nd Ed.
This book offers fifty classroom assessment techniques for the college instructor.
Differentiated Assessment Strategies
Tomlinson, C., et.al. (2009).Course Syllabus, A Distance Learning Graduate Course
This course was developed in collaboration with K-12 teachers to introduce assessment strategies, including pre-assessment.
Learning Differences at the Secondary Level
Newman, K.
This powerpoint outlines ways to use assessments, including preassessment, to tailor instruction to learner needs. A number of preassessment strategies are described.
