Graphic organizers are used by teachers in order to gain an understanding of the student's knowledge on a subject before it is taught in the specific class. A KWL chart is used to benchmark a student's knowledge at the beginning of the semester so that the final level of knowledge can be recorded once the class is completed. A graphic organizer has the student list information that he already knows about the literary subject, what he would like to learn in the class, and finally what he did learn in the class. Graphic organizers are used to gauge learning and the effectiveness of a literary program.
Student surveys are used for diagnostic-assessment purposes because they can be customized according to specific classes or assignments. The intent of a student survey is to record the performance of the individual, the effectiveness of the material and any suggestions that the individual has for potential changes. Surveys can be given at any point throughout a school year or semester. Surveys offer teachers and administrators a direct form of communication with each student that can be specific or confidential. Student surveys can be in the form of open-ended questions, multiple choice or essays. The intent of a diagnostic survey is to locate and make the necessary adjustments in order to improve student learning.
Journals are a valuable assessment tool for literary teachers. Throughout the course of a semester or school year, a teacher can assign journal entries that provide a direct view of the student's understanding of the material and overall progress. Diagnostic testing is meant to take place at the beginning or during a school year so that the learning process can be improved. Journals allow students to articulate their thoughts, use their writing skills, and show the teacher their current knowledge level. Using journals is a creative way to assess student progress.
Diagnostic-assessment tools are meant to improve learning when there is still plenty of time to make adjustments. Quizzes are an example of a diagnostic tool that is used at various stages of the learning process in order to gauge the student's literary advancements. A quiz is a short test that lets the teacher know whether or not the students are learning, understanding and retaining important information and literary skills. The intent of a quiz is to highlight specific areas that need extra attention or adjustments that need to be made prior to important tests where grades can be impacted. Quizzes are designed to help and not hurt a student's progress.