Classroom Assessment Technique refers to the usual, ungraded, and unidentified classroom undertakings that have been deliberated to provide tutors and learners vital response during learning. Example of CATs includes non-complex questions which are given to learners, simple paper tests, problem-solving principles, and significant matrix figures.
The activity of carrying out TESTs is perfected after it has been proven to be authentic and reliable. Learners are often allowed to sit for an examination after determining the grades they have scored in previous tests (Mansson, 2013). After that, changes are made in areas with some errors. The questions which are set aim at achieving the course objectives and set goals (Mueller, 2016). In a situation where students have not mastered the concept, teachers look back to determine what might have caused dismal performance (Lei, 2008). Finally, tutors come up with an appropriate remedy to problems which are experienced by learners.
To help the students learn, teachers must come up with various Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs) to help students learn as the one shown below:
Getting Started:
1. (a) Apart from the definition below, give another meaning of Geography
“It is a science and art of studying the earth, its structure, human activities, and physical features which sustains human life."
(b) Basing on the classroom knowledge, answer this review question (RQ): Why does Doyle " Zakrajsek say, “Geographical problems are individuals’ problems?" What does this statement depict Geography as a profession?
2. Explain why scholars find it hard to classify Geography as either a science or an art
3. There are three ways to approach a problem in Geography. Name them.
a.
b.
c.
RQ: Describe the benefits of each approach. Which approach is the best to be taken by learners? Why do we use real things when studying the subject?
4. Below are some of the characteristics of highly effective teams:
A sense of drive and a clear-cut undertaking.
Evocative recital goals for each team member.
c. A mix of skills, experience, and expertise.
Question: Describe how Geography students can form firm discussion groups for them to deal with complex tasks.
5. “Atmosphere” refers to
RQ: State and explain the components of atmosphere based on classroom concepts.
2
The forum where CATs is applied is essential in improving students’ learning as well as the teaching because it offers quicker results regarding teaching-learning process ("Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs)," n.d.). Moreover, the forum offers data about learning in a simplified manner as compared to the old-style way of giving assignments that requires much explanation (Stabile, 2017). Also, the activity of Classroom Assessment Technique aids in improving learning and enhancing teaching effectiveness because it inspires learners to look at teaching as a continuous process that involves analysis, testing, and reflection of various concepts ("Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs)," n.d.). Similarly, the forum activity of CATs helps in improving the learning and enhancing teaching effectiveness by enabling learners to become supervisors of their academics. There is also an assurance that teachers are concerned about their students during the process of learning.
Summarily, it is prudent for teachers to come up with tests before the beginning of lessons. The essence of this exercise is to measure the understanding of concepts which were previously taught by the course directors. Tutors involve CATs in their classes to evaluate the intellectual, sentimental, and psychomotor levels of learners.
References
Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs). Retrieved on June 11, 2018, from https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/cats/
Lei, S. A. (2008). Assessment techniques of instructors in two community colleges in a state-wide system. Education, 128(3), 392-411.
Mansson, D. H. (2013). Assessing student learning in intercultural communication: implementation of three classroom assessment techniques. College Student Journal, 47(2), 343-351.
Mueller, J. (2016). Authentic Assessment Toolbox Home Page. Retrieved on June 11, 2018, from http://jfmueller.faculty.noctrl.edu/toolbox/index.htm
Stabile, C. (2017). Discovering the great teacher in you: A guide to mindset and practice. Port Saint Lucie, FL: Woodbridge Learning Press.
