Pretesting students to improve teaching and learning

Scott Simkins; Stuart Allen

doi:10.1007/BF02295755

International Advances in Economic Research

February 2000, Volume 6, Issue 1, pp 100–112

Pretesting students to improve teaching and learning

Authors
Authors and affiliations

Scott Simkins
Stuart Allen

Articles

DOI: 10.1007/BF02295755

Cite this article as:: Simkins, S. & Allen, S. International Advances in Economic Research (2000) 6: 100. doi:10.1007/BF02295755

Abstract

The focus of this paper is on developing ways to evaluate teaching performance on a regular basis as a means of improving teaching effectiveness and increasing student learning in the classroom. In particular, this paper shows how an instructor-developed pretest, when given at the start of an introductory economics course as part of a pre- and post-test strategy, can be used as a diagnostic and developmental tool for instructors to assess and improve teaching effectiveness. Evidence of students' deficiencies in basic economic and math or graphing skills has led to making changes in content and delivery to increase students' chances of success in the economics course. In addition, pre- and post-test results can be used to determine which economic concepts are being taught effectively and which areas need improvement.

References

Becker, William E.; Powers, John R.; Saunders, Phillip. "Problems of Missing Student Data and the Importance of Class Size in Student Achievement," mimeo, December 1996.
Brasfield, David; McCoy, James; Milkman, Martin. "The Effect of University Math on Student Performance in Principles of Economics,"Journal of Research and Development in Education, 25, 4, Summer 1992, pp. 240–7.Google Scholar
Evensky, Jerry; Kao, Duke; Yang, Qing; Fadele, Remi; Fenner, Richard. "Addressing Prerequisite Mathematics Needs—A Case Study in Introductory Economics,"International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 28, 5, September–October 1997, pp. 629–39.Google Scholar
Hafer, Gail Heyne; Hafer, R. W. "Do Entry-Level Math Skills Predict Success in Principles of Economics?," paper presented at the International Atlantic Economic Conference, Boston, MA, October 8–11, 1998.
Lopus, Jane S.; Maxwell, Nan L. "Should We Teach Microeconomic Principles Before Macroeconomic Principles?,"Economic Inquiry, 33, 2, April 1995, pp. 336–50.Google Scholar
Saunders, Phillip. "The Third Edition of the Test of Understanding in College Economics,"Journal of Economic Education, 22, 3, Summer 1991, pp. 255–72.Google Scholar
Saunders, Phillip; Powers, John R. "Reallocating Content Coverage in Principles of Microeconomics to Increase Student Learning,"American Economic Review: Papers and Proceedings, 85, 2, May 1995, pp. 339–42.Google Scholar

Copyright information

Authors and Affiliations

Scott Simkins
- 1
Stuart Allen
- 2

1.North Carolina A&T State UniversityUSA
2.University of North CarolinaU.S.A.

Pretesting students to improve teaching and learning

Abstract

Copyright information

Authors and Affiliations

Cookies