Before I switched to TBL, I used Canvas for "warm-up quizzes" similar to iRAT. The advantage of this approach were that (a) grading was automated, (b) no class time was required, and (c) students could take them repeatedly as formative assessments. Specifically, I had it set up in Canvas that they would get a grade but would have no indication of what questions were right or wrong. They could then go back to the reading, try to figure out what they got wrong, and try again. Most students did this repeatedly until they got perfect scores, so that was a really nice benefit. However, some didn't try to correct their answers, so they weren't adequately prepared when class time rolled around. At the beginning of class, we did go over the quizzes so that there was discussion about the questions, but results varied.
Since switching to TBL, I've moved away from Canvas quizzes and do both the iRAT and tRAT in class, with IF-AT forms for the latter. I have to say that I prefer this approach over what I used to do. The iRAT serves as a sort of warm-up for the tRAT discussion so that everyone has thought about the questions for the same amount of time. With the tRAT, I follow the approach where they get diminishing points (i.e., 4 points for correct on the first try, 2 on the second, 1 on the third). I've found that this approach keeps the students engaged for longer, they do a better job of debating the merits of different answers, and the questions I get from them are more insightful and precise.
As a (probably too time-consuming) hybrid, have you considered doing both? That is, create the question banks with randomization for sample questions that they can practice while doing the pre-reading, but then do the IF-AT quizzes in class?
-msk
Subject: IF AT: Pros and Cons
Since starting TBL 2 years ago, I’ve resisted using the IF AT method. However, at the end of last term, I decide I would give them a try. Next week is my 1st scheduled RAT and as I’m developing the quiz I’m developing interesting questions about the pros and cons of the IF AT method versus using Canvas.
With Canvas, I can:
1. Use a question bank to randomize questions
2. Randomize answers
3. Grades are automatically recorded
I can not do these with the IF AT and I’m wondering if the benefits of the IF AT are outweighed by the cons.
Thanks,
Ron
--------------------------
Michael Kirkpatrick
Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Science
James Madison University
|
