Pre-test should be delivered the first week of the course. Preferably before any content is introduced.
A low stakes grade can be used to reward students for participation in the concept inventory. For example, 5 points in a 1000 point course has been very effective at getting students to complete the concept inventory. If you choose to record participation, please be sure to have students give you the code they receive at the end of the inventory.
Students should be informed by their instructor/TA that the number of correct or incorrect answers on the concept inventory will not impact their assignment grade.
Students should be informed that the specific questions on the concept inventory will not be used on course assessments (quizzes or exams). Students should also be advised to not copy or screenshot the questions.
Students should be encouraged to do their best and instructors should explain why students are completing this assessment.
By understanding which misconceptions in microbiology are most prevalent in their students, faculty can better develop classroom learning experiences to help their students. Faculty can also look at learning gains (comparing pre-test and post-test) to see how they are improving learning in microbiology outside of instructor generated exams.
Post-test should be given as close as possible to the end of the course.