Assessment Strategies for Student Learning.
Formative assessment - In-class; takes the pulse of the class; not high stakes; helps students learn or helps students reinforce what they have learned
Summative assessment - takes place at the end of the course; usually graded and therefore high stakes.
Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs for short)
- in-class exercises that helps instructors teach or reinforce a concept in class
- collects feedback during class
- provides gauge for instructors on what students have learned in class (met learning outcomes). Indirectly, it helps us reflect on our teaching strategies and strengthen our teaching skills.
- for single-session classes, CATs can serve both as formative and/or summative assessments (for that session).
- CATs are useful active learning exercises appropriate for single- or multi-sessions classes. \\\\
Classroom Assessment
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CAT File Letter
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File Name
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Target Topic(s)
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Suggested Class Level
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Suggested Class Type
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Prep Time Before Class
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In-Class Time
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A
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Background Knowledge Probe
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searching the library catalog
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orient to basic web search
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orient on boolean operators
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1000, 2000
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single-session
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some; print worksheet
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10 mins
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B
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1000 Level Misconception
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introduction to library catalog - conceptual
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C
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Categorizing Grid
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develop understanding of the organization of knowledge
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help develop skills in selecting tools for research
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1000, 2000, 3000
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single-session
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some; print exercise
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13 -15 minutes
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D
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Checking for Understanding
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applicable to any topic instructor wants
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all levels, incl. Grads
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single-session
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multi-session
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semester
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6 mins, plus discussion
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E
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General Questions
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class evaluation - most useful if doing 2 or more sessions
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all levels, incl. Grads
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single-session
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multi-session
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print questions
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3 mins
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F
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Grouping Sources of Information
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understanding what different sources offer (e.g., Encyclopedias vs articles)
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1000, 2000
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single-session
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print worksheet
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full-class outline
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G
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How to find a scholarly article
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searching databases and catalog
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using citation management tool
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all levels, incl. Grads
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single-session
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multi-session
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print worksheet
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full-class outline
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H
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Minute Paper
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concept evaluation tool - all topics
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baseline info to start class - all topics
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all UG levels
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single-session
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multi-session
semester
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decide which option
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2 min; 12-18 mins; depending on option chosen
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I
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Evaluating Sources Checklist & Summary
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evaluating sources - checklist
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summarizing information concisely
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1000, 2000
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single-session
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multi-session
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class demo & exercise
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J
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Paraphrasing Boolean operators
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overview on boolean operators
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overview on truncation
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3000, 4000
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single-session
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3 mins
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K
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Pre-Post Class Quiz
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applicable to various topics covered in class (e.g., peer review; reading citations, etc.,)
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all levels, incl. Grads
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single-session
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multi-session
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print questions
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4 mins (2 at starts, 2 at end)
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L
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Scholarly Popular Categorization
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understanding differences in scholarly and popular materials
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1000, 2000
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single-session
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multi-session
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Create questions;
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send questions in advance to students
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full-class outline
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M
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Working with a Topic
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construct searchable question
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identify subject headings
Techniques
Contains detailed instructions for a variety of CATs for use in the class. Each link contains the activity and a lesson plan to guide the usage of the CAT in your classroom.
A. Background Knowledge Probe
B. 1000 Level Misconception
C. Categorizing Grid
D. Checking for Understanding
E. General Questions
F. Grouping Sources of Information
G. How to find a scholarly article
H. Minute Paper
I. Evaluating Sources Checklist & Summary
J. Paraphrasing Boolean operators
K. Pre-Post Class Quiz
L. Scholarly Popular Categorization
M. Working with a Topic
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narrow down research
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all UG levels
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multi-session
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demo topics
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in-class exercise/demo
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