Get Your Students Hired
Using student self-assessments not only enable students to further their knowledge of the subject but also give them ownership in the class.
I kind of see it like the better one's self-assessment ability the better student because they bring with them the "success factor". A feeling of mastery over tasks starts to emerge. True self-assessment breads shocking awareness, and the energy to take on one's future.
As a "core course" teacher with students from disciplines across the curriculum, I haven't really considered this in my classes. However, it wouldn't take much to ask a few questions on an exit card to see how students feel they are doing and what they think could be done to improve their performance. It is important, whether through self or teacher assessment, that students know where they stand and take action to improve if needed. I assess frequently, post results online immediately and return tests promptly so students are aware of where they stand.
Student self assessments can be used by setting
up exercises so that they evaluate each other
as a group.
J. E. Wright
In the clinical situations my students are in, it not only helps the students realistically evaluate themselves and see where they need to improve, it helps to reinforce the instructor's evaluations so they become a learning tool also.
Hi Tim, Thanks for your post to the forum. That is indeed one of the objects of student SA. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
A 'self assessment' can be used by the student to identify their strengths and weaknesses in different dsciplines. That information can be applied by the student to begin to development their educational goads and guide them on curriculum choices. For example, if a SA indicated the student is weak in applied math, which is necessary for their career choice, they could plan to take one or more applied math courses.
Hi Eric, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, that is the whole point of CATs so that we can see what our students are thinking about our teaching. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
Susan Polick
Students should be allowed an opportunity to
write or participate in writing an assessment.
The assessment is then discussed in class.
J. E. wright
I think that using these helps the Teacher/Instuctor find where the students confidence level is. Most students will grade themselves at a level lower then what they truly are so Teachers should take that into account.
Self-assessments enable a student to identify previous knowledge/experience with a topic as a foundation for assimilating new information. When used regularly, they can help a student digest/apply information in real time to aide retention and increase relevancy.
I think it is a great way to cater the lectures and class discussions. Once you know who is in the class and their skill level, it will benefit the others.
Student self-assessment can be used effectively in career college settings by allowing the student and instructor to both become aware of where the student is at on the subject. By both being enlightened by the student self-assessment, steps can be taken to insure that full understanding and implementation of the course material is achieved.
Student self-assessments are good in career schools so students can see how well they are doing and what areas they feel they need improvement in, it also provides good practice for the students.
Hi Darron, It amazes me how so many students, even as adults, are clueless about their learning styles. I love to see the "Aha!" moment when they get it! Susan
Susan Polick
The student has a better idea of how they learn. which is more vital then my deciphering of their learning style, there instructor is only around for a brief duration so for the student to identify there own learning styles makes it easier for the student to process information and retain it knowing how they learn best.
By letting a student take a self assessment, it gives the instructor an insight to the student's perception as to how much of the information he or she is effectively processing. It also shows the student where they are in meeting their own personal goals for that class or setting.
By having the students perform self assessments of their activities (internship, classroom, etc), they can note their perceived strengths and weaknesses. In of itself, this is good. However, when this approach is used along with the assessments made by their supervisors and instructors, a better picture of the student's performance can be attained. In some cases, this will help the student become more critical of their own performance.