How do I determine students' initial ability and how do I "catch them up" if necessary?
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- Give them a short pretest, have them do a writing sample or use some kind diagnostic assignment on the first day of class. Be sure to tell them it won't be graded, but that you are simply using it to help you establish their starting point in the course. Design the assignment to require all of what you feel are the basic skills necessary to begin your course.
- If you find that you have several students who may need extra help in order to keep up with and be successful in the course, consider the following options:
- Offer help sessions. Sometimes a specific help session in lieu of office hours encourages more students to take advantage of this out of class help.
- Send students to The Teaching and Learning Center. TLC has no cost writing and math labs, paid group and individual tutoring services and several staff members who give individual help with basic skills development.
- Investigate what kinds of internet resources might provide assistance. For example, there are many online writing and math labs, tutorials, and learning objects which can give students opportunites to practice and build necessary skills and foundational knowledge.
- Offer help sessions. Sometimes a specific help session in lieu of office hours encourages more students to take advantage of this out of class help.
Address questions or comments about TEP or this site to:
Georgeanne Cooper, Program Director, 64 PLC
Phone: 541-346-2177 Fax: 541-346-2184
Teaching Effectiveness Program, Teaching and Learning Center, University of Oregon.
Last Modified:
07/30/09