Which strategy helps teachers assess students' prior knowledge before starting a new lesson?

Pre-assessment is a strategy that allows teachers to gauge students' prior knowledge before introducing new content in a lesson. By using pre-assessment, educators can identify what students already understand and what misconceptions they may have regarding a topic. This information is crucial for tailoring instruction to meet the specific needs of the class, ensuring that new material is presented at the appropriate level and builds on students' existing knowledge.

Using pre-assessment can come in various forms, such as quizzes, surveys, discussions, or even KWL charts (Know, Want to know, Learned), which help to activate students' background knowledge and set the stage for deeper learning. This awareness of students’ prior knowledge enables teachers to adjust their teaching strategies accordingly, making lessons more effective and engaging.

Other assessment types, such as post-assessments or formative assessments, generally serve different purposes. Post-assessments evaluate learning after instruction has taken place, while formative assessments are ongoing checks for understanding during the lessons. Benchmark assessments typically measure how well students are progressing toward specific grade-level expectations but do not focus on prior knowledge at the outset of new instruction.