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Classroom assessment techniques (CATs) are mostly simple, non-graded, anonymous, in-class activities that give both teachers and learners feedback on the teaching-learning process. Classroom assessment can be implemented anytime: the beginning of the term, in the middle of a class, immediately after a major assignment, and other occasions as needed. Using CATS, teachers receive timely feedback on how students learn and make appropriate adjustments in the teaching to further their learning.

The table below provides a quick comparison between 'traditional evaluation' and 'classroom assessment'.

	Traditional Evaluation	Classroom Assessment
Format	Midterms, Finals, Projects, etc	(See reference below for techniques)
Focus	Usually on content	Can be on content, and is also used to assess: Process Value and attitude Teaching
Audience	One-way	Mutually beneficial Instructors use it to adjust teaching
Process	Summative: for grades	Formative: to improve learning

This page lists resources tools, and a bibliography for learning more about this topic.

Select Bibliography

Link to Complete Bibliography
For a complete bibliography, please visit the CTLT's shared folder on Refworks. Having problems? Visit the RefWorks information guide.

Mann, K. B. (2000). You can herd CATs: Assessing learning in the humanities. College Teaching, 48(3), 82-89.

Rouseff-Baker, F., & Holm, A. (2004). Engaging faculty and students in classroom assessment of learning. New Directions for Community Colleges, (126), 29-42.

Stein, B., & Haynes, A. (2011). Engaging faculty in the assessment and improvement of students' critical thinking using the critical thinking assessment test. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning, 43(2), 44-49.

Online Resources

50 CATs by Angelo and Cross by University of Denver, Office of Academic Assessment
Description: A list of 50 CATs accompanied by a short description of each

URL: http://www.du.edu/assessment/media/documents/AngeloandCross199350CATs.pdf

Field-tested Learning Assessment Guide for Science, Math, Engineering and Technology Instructors
Description: "Succinct, self-contained, self-instructional, web-based modules that introduce a broadly applicable range of techniques” for use in college or university courses.

URL: http://www.flaguide.org/

Classroom Assessment Techniques by the National Teaching and Learning Forum
Description: Provides an introduction to CATs, a description of how to use them, and an explanation of why to use them. Examples of eight different types of CATs are provided for collecting feedback on student learning and responses to teaching.

URL: http://www.ntlf.com/html/lib/bib/assess.htm

Classroom Assessment Techniques by the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching at Iowa State University
Description: Introduces CATs, outlines their multiple uses and shows different types.

URL: http://www.celt.iastate.edu/teaching/cat.html

Classroom Assessment Techniques by the Virginia Commonwealth University, Center for Teaching Excellence
Description: Categorizes CATs according to what they can be used to access

URL: http://www.vcu.edu/cte/resources/cat/index.htm

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