As a Teacher, How Do I Know a Student Understands the Lesson and Can Practice It Competently?
1. Quiz
A quiz helps students know the definitions or basic steps in using a technique. They are not as useful for evaluating how students can apply their knowledge. The quiz can be a simple “True/False,” but matching or multiple choice works better. A 3-part question that digs deep into the content can help reinforce an interpretation process. For example, “What is the sect for Harry’s chart_____? Is his Ascendant ruler in Sect_____? What is the dispositor of his Ascendant ruler_____?”
2. Essay
Some students are not skilled in writing, so it helps to give them specific directions. Tell students what you want them to prove. It is also good to reinforce the level of detail you are looking for. For example, stating in the directions that you want the student to keep it simple and answer only what is asked (not everything the know, hoping the teacher will find the answer somewhere). Below are samples of directions for a thesis or argument:
- What is your argument for or against the assigned topic?
- Can you prove your argument with facts, reasons, and examples?
- Can you bring forward a problem that weakens other arguments?
- Can you conclude with a strong statement that makes your case?
Here is a sample of directions for interpreting a planet in an intercepted sign:
- What two signs are intercepted in this chart?
- What planets are in these intercepted signs?
- Interpret one of these planets. Make sure to include the planet that rules the sign the planet is in, the house position, the planet that rules that house, and how these rulers affect your interpretation.
- Provide information from the person’s biography and supports your interpretation.
3. Discussion
Live discussion is best done in small groups of 4 or 5 where each person focuses on a task such as reading a paragraph or a page from the text on the topic. With 5 people in the discussion, a chapter is covered, and each, in sequence, shares the key points of the chapter or paragraph they read. The group asks questions and takes notes from each contributor. This is a good way to bring students to learn within the group’s security. The instructor can see how well students absorb and apply information and provide immediate feedback to help keep them on track.
In an online discussion forum, you still want to give the students a specific task. If you have a large class size, you can divide the students into groups of 10 to 15 and ask them to respond to your question and respond to at least one or two other students. This gives you information on how well the students are absorbing the material, and you can correct any misunderstandings.
4. Delineate
Having students delineate a chart allows you to see the bases they cover and any they may not consider, and of course, their ethics for the client:
- Are they just doing Sun Sign astrology, or are they going deeper into the chart by describing personality traits, interests, challenges, and blessings?
- Are they using general interpretations that apply to thousands and even millions of people born near the same time, or are they adding nuance to make it more individual?
- Are they maintaining privacy for their client and applying ethical standards to help the client make their own choices?
5. Student Presentations
Public speaking helps a student build confidence that he or she has learned what was taught and can use astrological tools and techniques to build a successful professional practice.
6. Develop a Project
An individual or group chooses a point of interest or controversy related to the lesson and plans the methods to prove the project outcome for the teacher to approve. A project usually takes several weeks to complete and another hour to present either live or by video.
7. Question and Answer
This live response method works well after the lesson, and students have time to practice and assimilate the information through homework or a quiz.
8. Teamwork and Groups
This technique works well as a follow-up to question and answer by making a competition between teams or individuals and winning recognition or a prize.
9. Paired Critique
This technique pairs students with each other. It is best for a debate after the lesson is taught and homework is completed. Individuals or teams work well in the argument mode of pros, cons, and final judgment.
10. Percentage of a Standard
This technique is most used because it is easy for the teacher, but not as helpful for the student. It is more effective if there is a personal or group interaction that follows, such as any of the live and/or creative follow-up techniques.
11. Practice Pairs
This option is best with two students, each taking turns asking the other student a question. If the answer is incorrect, the asker (who has the answer) hints or guides the other by giving clues or explaining why the answer is incorrect.
12. Second Chance – Redo and Correct
We all need a second chance sometimes, and it is better for a student to fully understand what the teacher taught rather than how many times it took. The teacher needs to review their strategies and build a better lesson if they find 2 or 3 students are confused.
13. Consultation with the Teacher
Building a rapport with students is the foundation of teaching. Building trust brings openness for students to share their problems and seek advice and help to overcome blocks to successfully completing the task.
13. Reward for Meeting a Goal
Rewards for success for adults are not much different than for children. A simple thumbs up to a student or heart emojis for them in a Zoom meeting is enough. Electronic badges that recognize the successful completion of learning tasks are also good motivators.
14. Student Journal of What They Learned
The journal method starts at the beginning of the course with an entry for each week. A journal is private, but near the end of the course, the teacher collects and reads the journals, after which a personal consultation with each student follows.
