Getting Started with CATs

• Step 1: Planning
  • Select one course
  • Choose a CAT
  • Complete the CAT yourself!
  • Set aside module time for the CAT
  • Chose technology for delivering the CAT and/or collecting the responses
    • E-mail
    • Discussion Board
    • CMS Survey or Quiz
    • Web-based form
      
• Step 2: Implementing
  • Inform students:
    • What you are doing
    • Why you want the information
    • Assure that the purpose is to assess learning and not to "grade"
    • Use anonymous responses unless the students earn points for completing the CAT
  • Prepare CAT
    • Post directions/messages for e-mail and Discussion Board CATs
    • Create survey, quiz, or form with instructions
  • Collect student responses
  • Analyze responses ASAP
    
• Step 3: Responding
  • Close the feedback loop
    • E-mail
    • Post announcement
    • Post message on Discussion Board
  • Choose type of response
    • Informative
      • "Sixty percent of you thought that Topic A was the muddiest point and about 20% of you each mentioned Topic B or Topic C."
    • Tutorial
    • Provide an additional study guide or links to reference/review material
      The primary attention of teachers is focused on observing and improving learning.