The Minute Paper

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SOURCE OF INFORMATION: Classroom Assessment Techniques by Thomas A. Angelo and K. Patricia Cross

ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENT: Minute Paper

DESCRIPTION: The Minute Paper asks some variation of two questions: "What was the most meaningful thing you learned during this class?" and "What important question(s) remain unanswered?"

HOW TO USE: To use the Minute Paper, an instructor stops class two or three minutes early and asks students to respond briefly to the two questions. Minute Papers are probably most useful in lecture or lecture/discussion courses, although the technique can be easily adapted to other settings.

PROS: By asking students what they see as the most meaningful or important things they are learning, faculty can quickly check how well students are learning what they are teaching. The students' feedback help the faculty decide whether any mid-course adjustments are needed. The Minute Paper assesses more than mere recall. Students must learn to evaluate the information presented to them and ask themselves how well they understand what they have been taught.

CONS: If Minute Papers are overused or poorly used, students might view the technique as a gimmick or a pro forma exercise in polling.
CAVEATS: Responding to Minute Papers might take longer than planned because questions lead to further questions. To temper expectations, let students know in advance when they should expect answers to their questions.