As instructors, we know the importance of feedback and checking for students’ understanding of course material. However, we often rely on traditional methods of assessment, like essays and exams. These methods are effective but don’t always allow for timely and constructive feedback. Giving feedback to students in real time helps them identify areas for improvement, deepen their understanding of course material, and develop essential critical thinking skills. Below I’ve shared some strategies to solidify your students’ knowledge prior to a high-stakes assessment.
Correct Misconceptions on the Spot
Are there areas of your curriculum that constantly trip students up? If you are aware that there are common misconceptions in your content area, it might make sense to quickly quiz students throughout your lectures or discussions so they can catch their own mistakes before a graded assessment.
You can create short interactive quizzes with Poll Everywhere or other online tools. Alternatively, you can have students jot their answers down on a piece of paper. If you collect the responses, you will also have the added bonus of being able to analyze the results to help you adjust your own teaching in the future.
The above options are best for in person or synchronous classes. However, if you teach asynchronously, you can add quizzes to your video lectures through Panopto. Adding this option for low-stakes assessment will increase your students’ engagement with course material and allow you to gauge their comprehension of difficult concepts.
Boost Engagement and Motivation
Giving students the opportunity to reflect on concepts that are tricky to them can help to increase their engagement and motivation in the class. When students are able to articulate where they are struggling, they will also be able to see their own growth in learning the course concepts. This page on DePaul Teaching Commons outlines several classroom assessment techniques that allow students to check their understanding of course material. A personal favorite of mine is Muddy Waters.
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| Ask students to write down what they perceived as the muddiest point in a lecture, reading, etc. Collect responses, then clarify muddy points during the next class. You can also share the “muddy” points with the class in a future lecture so students can celebrate the progress they have made! |
Provide Targeted Support
Individualized, low stakes feedback can also help students quickly identify what gaps exist in their learning. One easy way to provide this feedback is through exit tickets.
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| At the end of a lesson, ask students to summarize a key concept on a notecard. Collect these responses, provide quick feedback, and return the cards at the next class. |
If you do this regularly, students will be able to apply your feedback incrementally and predict what concepts will be covered in a summative assessment, like a final exam.
Facilitate Peer Feedback
When students teach each other, they increase their confidence and understanding of course material. You can facilitate this process by utilizing active learning techniques. The activity Knotty Problems helps students identify areas they are struggling with.
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| Divide students into small groups. One student in each group has two minutes to explain the obstacle they’ve encountered. During this time, no one is allowed to interrupt with comments or questions. Then, each of the other group members has two minutes to share ideas about possible solutions. After the first person’s problem has been discussed, another student can go next, and then another, repeating the same process until each student has had time to discuss their obstacles (time permitting). |
Interested in Learning More?
The following articles describe additional strategies for incorporating classroom assessment techniques and reflection into your teaching.