Bridging the Gap
from Theory to Practice
Teaching Tip
Using Quizzes in Classes Daily to Improve
Attendance Issues and More
Students in the classroom often come unprepared for didactic instruction and participation with discussion. One
way to improve preparedness for students is to have a daily quiz in the classroom environment. The quiz can be
very short in nature perhaps 5-10 questions. Create a multiple choice type question, completion or short answer
if appropriate. The faculty member needs to have a statement in the course syllabi stating that “quizzes may be
announced or unannounced.” Consider stating a percentage of the overall grade worth the equivalent to one unit
test grade. (15%) Include a statement that the instructor reserves the right to give quizzes at any time of the class
period. Also include a statement that an absence equals a zero that day and that there are NO makeup quizzes.
Adding an additional statement that the faculty member “may “drop the lowest quiz grade should also be included.
The students will come to class more prepared not knowing when and if a quiz can be given. The need for reading
a previous assignment for content and future readings can be quiz able material. The students then grade their
own quiz with a high lighter and self corrects the results. Should a student cheat on a test, academic dishonesty
becomes the issue with self grading of the quiz. The faculty member can also consider a daily quiz on line utilizing
internet resources and a timed system for accountability. Attendance and accountability for student learning will
be enhances with the use of a daily announced or unannounced quiz in class. The beauty of not knowing when the
quiz will be given keeps students on the pulse of learning and abreast of content for the daily classroom.
Probably the more important factor is that the instructor has a day-by-day evaluation of student progress and
effectiveness of instruction. The instructor can also determine areas that need further explanation.
Janet Tompkins McMahon RN, MSN
Assistant Professor of Nursing
w w w. c e n g a g e . c o m /c o m m u n i t y/n u r s i n g