Critical-Thinking Assessment Test Available to Educators Teaching Virtual Classes
Elizabeth Lisic
Tennessee Tech University
The Center for Assessment & Improvement of Learning at Tennessee Tech University is dedicated to helping projects and institutions navigate assessment as educators return to teaching during this challenging time. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has funded the dissemination of a unique tool, the Critical-thinking Assessment Test (CAT), that helps faculty understand student weaknesses in critical thinking in both STEM and non-STEM disciplines. With instruction for many institutions of higher education shifting to online or hybrid delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that many researchers are reformatting and rethinking assessment strategies. In response to the need for remote assessment, we will allow students to take the online version of the CAT remotely. We have a couple of options for online administration depending on whether your students are taking the test synchronously (at the same time in the same space) or asynchronously (off-site/at home at potentially different times). I am happy to schedule a time to talk more about either of these options; you can reach me by email.
The CAT is an educational assessment developed by faculty for faculty. The CAT instrument is designed to assess a broad range of skills that faculty across the country identify as important components of critical thinking and real-world problem solving. Watch our brief video for an introduction to the Center for Assessment and Improvement of Learning and the CAT instrument.
We invite you to join us for a lunch-hour webinar to learn more. We will use this time to give you a brief introduction to the CAT and to answer any questions you might have about assessment for your project or institution using the CAT. Webinars will be held on each of the dates below, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm Central tTime. Sign up to reserve your spot on whichever date is most convenient for you.
- Friday, 2 October
- Monday, 26 October
- Thursday, 19 November
- Wednesday, 9 December
Additionally, our center has developed a virtual professional development training workshop that has been successfully delivered at multiple institutions in recent months. This training focuses on the development of authentic and aligned course-based critical thinking assessments and activities. The virtual workshop utilizes live broadcast technology along with other interactive features such as breakout rooms and polling to engage participants. If you would be interested in learning more about hosting this training with faculty associated with your project or institution, please let me know. Thank you!