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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.
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Classroom Assessment Techniques

CAT File Letter	File Name	Target Topic(s)	Suggested Class Level	Suggested Class Type	In-Class Time
A	Background Knowledge Probe		searching the library catalog
orient to basic web search
orient on boolean operators			1000, 2000		single-session	some; print worksheet	10 mins
B	1000 Level Misconception		introduction to library catalog - conceptual
C	Categorizing Grid		develop understanding of the organization of knowledge
help develop skills in selecting tools for research			1000, 2000, 3000		single-session		some; print exercise		13 -15 minutes
D	Checking for Understanding		applicable to any topic instructor wants		all levels, incl. Grads		single-session
multi-session
semester				6 mins, plus discussion
E	General Questions		class evaluation - most useful if doing 2 or more sessions		all levels, incl. Grads		single-session
multi-session			print questions		3 mins
F	Grouping Sources of Information		understanding what different sources offer (e.g., Encyclopedias vs articles)		1000, 2000		single-session		print worksheet	full-class outline
G	How to find a scholarly article		searching databases and catalog
using citation management tool			all levels, incl. Grads		single-session
multi-session			print worksheet		full-class outline
H	Minute Paper		concept evaluation tool - all topics
baseline info to start class - all topics			all UG levels		single-session
multi-session semester			decide which option		2 min; 12-18 mins; depending on option chosen
I	Evaluating Sources Checklist & Summary		evaluating sources - checklist
summarizing information concisely			1000, 2000		single-session
multi-session				class demo & exercise
J	Paraphrasing Boolean operators		overview on boolean operators
overview on truncation			3000, 4000		single-session			3 mins
K	Pre-Post Class Quiz		applicable to various topics covered in class (e.g., peer review; reading citations, etc.,)		all levels, incl. Grads		single-session
multi-session			print questions		4 mins (2 at starts, 2 at end)
L	Scholarly Popular Categorization		understanding differences in scholarly and popular materials		1000, 2000		single-session
multi-session		Create questions;	send questions in advance to students		full-class outline
M	Working with a Topic		construct searchable question
identify subject headings
narrow down research			all UG levels		multi-session		demo topics		in-class exercise/demo