Knowledge Survey for Basic College Mathematics
Initial Publication Date: December 31, 2016
Summary
This knowledge survey will be used for several purposes. First, students will complete the appropriate part of the survey before each unit. This will give students information on what will be included in the unit and allow them to begin accessing their own prior knowledge. It will give the instructor data about which areas students feel more or less confident in, to help in planning time for each component.
The knowledge survey can be given again before the unit exam for students to use in organizing their review time and then reflect on how well they judged their knowledge. Finally, all of the unit knowledge surveys will become a tool for reviewing for the final.
Learning Goals
Students will learn applicable mathematical vocabulary.
Students will learn how to plan and structure review based on course objectives.
Students will gain skills in their ability to judge their own mastery of material.
Students will learn how to plan and structure review based on course objectives.
Students will gain skills in their ability to judge their own mastery of material.
Context for Use
This knowledge survey is meant for a Basic College Mathematics (pre-algebra) course. Students who have access to a smart phone could take the survey online. Paper forms are also available. This activity would take approximately 5 minutes at the start of each unit. It could then be re-used during review for unit or course final exams, tying it into discussions of how to organize and plan personal study and review time. This activity could easily be adapted to any course.
Description and Teaching Materials
I have developed this knowledge survey to match objectives and content in the course I teach in Basic College Mathematics. Each section of the knowledge survey is given at the start of a unit. I developed a printed form for each unit which I have attached below. I also have a google-survey version that could be very useful for tallying. This is the URL for the unit 1 survey:
https://goo.gl/forms/BTInLRQ6333jSGnY2
The knowledge survey could also be given as a whole at the start of the quarter, vs. unit by unit. This survey can provide both the student and instructor with valuable information on understanding of vocabulary and perceived knowledge. It can be used by the instructor to plan instruction and group students. It can also be used as a tool to help students prepare for an exam. Knowledge Survey for Basic College Mathematics (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 179kB Dec16 16)
https://goo.gl/forms/BTInLRQ6333jSGnY2
The knowledge survey could also be given as a whole at the start of the quarter, vs. unit by unit. This survey can provide both the student and instructor with valuable information on understanding of vocabulary and perceived knowledge. It can be used by the instructor to plan instruction and group students. It can also be used as a tool to help students prepare for an exam. Knowledge Survey for Basic College Mathematics (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 179kB Dec16 16)
Teaching Notes and Tips
Students should be told that their answers to the questions will not effect their grade in any way. It can even be given anonymously.
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Assessment
References and Resources
Here is a link to information about knowledge surveys from Carlton College that I found useful in learning more about knowledge survey's and how to create them: [http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/assess/knowledgesurvey/index.html]