#  Taking the classroom temperature 

 



##  Taking the classroom temperature 

Paying close attention to what’s going on in a classroom can help determine when to delve deeper on a given topic and when to re-teach something that may have been confusing. Through keen observation and “show of hands” solicitations, Bob Kegan stays attuned to the classroom’s ebbs and flows. Regular “temperature-taking” allows him to adapt lesson trajectories accordingly and gain insight into student understanding.

*Profiled:* [*Robert Kegan*](https://prod-instructionalmoves.drupalsites.harvard.edu/robert-kegan)*, William and Miriam Meehan Research Professor in Adult Learning and Professional Development, teaches "Adult Development" to ~200 students at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.*



 

 

 

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 Classroom Considerations Relevant Research Related Resources 

## Classroom Considerations

 

 

- Quick assessments of student understanding, such as a “show of hands” poll or a quick-write at the end of class (also called an “exit ticket”) don’t take much time or preparation but do give instructors a valuable window into student learning
- When students are working in groups, listen with a purpose. Check for understanding of key concepts and look for small-group takeaways that are worth sharing with the whole class.
- Monitor the ebb and flow of small-group conversations around the room. Assign reasonable discussion topics that won’t last forever, and when the room starts to quiet down, it may be time to move on.



 



 

 

 

## Relevant Research

 

 

 Angelo describes how classroom assessment techniques can be used to collect data about student learning. This data is then used to guide how the instructor approaches lecture content ([1995](http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1555425003,miniSiteCd-JBHIGHERED,navId-812177.html)).



 



 

 

 

## Related Resources

 

 

- The University Learning & Teaching Center at George Washington University shares an overview of [“Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs)”](https://library.gwu.edu/utlc/teaching/classroom-assessment-techniques-cats) that help instructors “take the classroom temperature” and monitor student understanding
- The University of Michigan outlines [“Selected Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs) for Getting Feedback on Student Learning”](https://crlt.umich.edu/gsis/p4_8) to help lecturers gauge student understanding during class



 



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ Kegan, Robert ](/instructors/robert-kegan)
- [ Lecturing Interactively ](/modules/lecturing-interactively)
- [ Engaging Students ](/sub-modules/engaging-students)
- [ How can I execute my plans to ensure students stay engaged? ](/sub-modules/how-can-i-execute-my-plans-ensure-students-stay-engaged)
- [ Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) ](/school/harvard-graduate-school-education-hgse)