![\"Student](\"https:\/\/www.msudenver.edu\/media\/marketingandcommunications\/earlybird\/20-oct\/BakingPastryClass500.jpg\")
After a couple of exhausting weeks of grading midterm exams, and with the final weeks of the semester looming large, faculty members may be wondering (aloud or not), \u201cHow am I going to get through to the end?\u201d A corollary to this plaintive cry is, \u201cHow are my students going to make it to the finish line?\u201d The answers may be right at your fingertips; all you need to do is ask!<\/p>\n
In 1993, Angelo and Cross published a seminal work on pedagogical strategies called\u00a0Classroom Assessment Techniques<\/a>. This book changed the way that faculty members approach instant-gratification, formative assessment of students by introducing easy-to-use strategies that are designed to be used as in-class activities. The CATs provide data on students\u2019 mastery of concepts and skills and can also serve as metacritical assessment of methodological approach and achievement of course goals and objectives. The authors made a convincing and long-lasting case for improving teaching and learning outcomes by constantly asking students for data that would inform next steps in the classroom.<\/p>\n It is not too late in the semester to ask your students to provide you with data that can help you\u00a0all<\/em>\u00a0get to the finish line in December. You can adapt some of the CATs to learn how your students are doing now and what you can do to help them succeed. Consider these ideas:<\/p>\n Asking students to evaluate their experience and then reacting to their honest evaluation may create the buy-in you need to get you to finals week.<\/p>\n Classroom Assessment Techniques<\/a><\/p>\n 50 CATs by Angelo and Cross.<\/a> (https:\/\/vcsa.ucsd.edu\/_files\/assessment\/resources\/50_cats.pdf<\/a>\u00a0)<\/p>\n Check out the University of Texas faculty innovation center\u2019s take on\u00a0Midsemester Feedback<\/a>. Mid-semester feedback may be something you wish to incorporate in next semester\u2019s classes \u2013 start planning for that now!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Thirsty for a Strong Instructional Practice? After a couple of exhausting weeks of grading midterm exams, and with the final weeks of the semester looming large, faculty members may be wondering (aloud or not), \u201cHow am I going to get through to the end?\u201d A corollary to this plaintive cry is, \u201cHow are my students … <\/p>\n\n
Still Thirsty? Take a SIP of this:<\/strong><\/h4>\n