Classroom Assessment Techniques
Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs) are various methods that teachers make use of to collect data about students\textquoteright understanding and learning. They are a crucial part of guiding instruction, encouraging students to be actively involved in their learning and also, helping them to be more engagement in the class.
The Talk, Change, Teach method is a widely employed student-centered technology application in the classroom. Here, learners will work in pairs, one partner asks a question about the topic while the other partner explains his/her idea on the matter. Subsequently, the pairs will combine and share their newly acquired insights with all partners in the class.The other notable forms are such as the Brainstorming, Pause-Procedure, and Buzz Group, which students use to build a two-way communication line while teachers make their classes more interactive. One more technique is the so-called Concept Maps, which students use then to review the peer reviews and later, the peer reviews and Exit Tickets, to check their understanding in a real-time manner. These are just a few of the amazing classroom assessment tools that teachers can use to help their students track their progress.
Assessing Classroom Techniques gives teachers the direct feedback on whether the students understood well or not, which allows them to make necessary corrections to their teaching methods. For example, if many students fail to understand a certain concept through the use of a CAT, the teacher can change that topic way of presentation using different strategies and make sure that all the students comprehend the lesson before proceeding.
Since it provides educators with insight on how the learning experience is observed from the students' perspective, student feedback is a critical component in Classroom Assessment Techniques. For instance, by using surveys or reflective journals, they can show their feelings towards the teaching strategies and the course material. This, in turn, creates a more team-oriented environment of learning and promotes student responsibility to regulate their own learning.
In e-learning, C.A.T.s or Classroom Assessment Techniques can be applied to interactive tools such as peer feedback on discussion forums, quizzes for instant assessments, and virtual breakout rooms for group problem-solving. Teachers can also use online polls or surveys to gather quick insights on the understanding of the students, thus ensuring that the class is continuously engaged and assessed even in a virtual setting.