The Muddiest Point is just a about the simplest Classroom Assesement Technique imaginable which provides a high information return for a very low investment of time and energy. The technique consist of asking students to jot down a quick response to one question: What was the Muddiest point in____? The focus of the Muddiest Point assessment might be a lecture, a discussion, a homework assignment, a play or a film.

PURPOSE

• Improve student learning at the same time improve teaching style.

• Improve student learning in shortest time possible.

• Provides information on what students find least clear or most confusing.

• Faculty use that feedback to discover which points are most difficult for students to learn and to guide their teaching decision about which topics to emphasize and how much time to spend on each.

What does Muddiest Point requiere to be effective?

• Very little time• Minimal change• Deemed useful by students• Optimal results.

RELATED TEACHING GOALSImproving skill at paying attentionDevelop ability to concentrate Improve listening skillsDevelop appropriate study skills, strategies,

and habits.Learn terms and facts of this subject.Learn concepts and theories in this subject.

SUGGESTIONS FOR USE This technique is particularly well suited to large, lower-division

classes.

The Muddiest Point question should be posed at the end of a lecture, at the close of a discussion or presentation.

On the other hand , Muddiest Point is best used sparingly in courses where the emphasis is on integrating, synthesizing and evaluating information.

PROCEDURE Hand out cards.

Have students response to prompts.

Questions like: What was the muddiest point so far in this session?

What was least clear to you?

What questions do you still have about today’s lecture?

Collect the cards.

Review the cards and plan to adreess responses to Puddiest Point.

ADVANTAGES FOR STUDEN:Reflect on what was learned.Retain information.Analize and synthesize information.Build knowladge.Use time effectively

FOR TEACHERS:More effective than questioning.Asses areas of student dificulty.Identify next steps. Help to plan for future revision