We educators are tasked with the awesome responsibility of ensuring that every child learns effectively while laying a strong foundation. A tool that is often overlooked by many teachers is pre assessment; however, it is essential and can be leveraged to design purposeful and impactful learning experiences for students.
Pre-assessment involves gauging students' prior knowledge, skills, and understanding before diving into a new unit or topic. It serves as a diagnostic tool, providing valuable insights into what students already know and where they may need additional support. To quote Dr. Caitlin Tucker, “Learning is not like lining up for a race shoulder to shoulder. Our students are starting in lots of different places. They’ve had different lived experiences….it’s helpful to understand where students are beginning in their individual learning journeys so we can design lessons and learning experiences that are going to meet their needs.”
While traditional assessments measure what students have learned after instruction, pre-assessment informs instruction by identifying starting points and informing instructional decisions. We know that every child is unique, with different backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles. Pre-assessment allows teachers to understand these differences and personalize instruction accordingly. By knowing students' strengths and areas for growth upfront, teachers can tailor learning experiences to meet individual needs. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, they can focus on specific concepts or skills that students need to master. This targeted instruction maximizes instructional time and accelerates learning outcomes.
Pre-assessment helps teachers identify students who may require additional challenges or support. By differentiating instruction based on pre-assessment data, teachers can create an inclusive learning environment where every student feels challenged and valued. It guides the setting of realistic and achievable learning goals. By understanding students' starting points, teachers can set appropriate targets for growth and track progress effectively. This not only motivates students but also empowers them to take ownership of their learning journey. At times, pre-assessment reveals widespread misconceptions or gaps in understanding, and teachers can adjust their teaching strategies or revisit foundational concepts before moving forward.
How Do We Pre Assess?
Before instruction, use a pre-assessment to gauge students' prior knowledge and understanding. This could be a game, question, concept map, quiz, etc.Use the pre-assessment data to inform lesson planning and instructional strategies. Differentiate instruction based on students' readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles. Continuously monitor students' progress and adjust instruction as needed. Use formative assessments to check for understanding and provide timely feedback.
Pre-assessment serves as a compass, guiding teachers in designing purposeful learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of students. By understanding where students are starting from, teachers can chart a course that maximizes learning potential and fosters a culture of continuous growth and achievement.
Here are some pre assessment activities that are fast, fun, and informative. You may also want to try these pre assessments:
KWL Charts: Have students complete a KWL chart (What I Know, What I Want to Know, What I Learned) at the beginning of a unit. This helps gauge their prior knowledge, identify misconceptions, and establish learning goals.
Concept Mapping: Ask students to create concept maps or graphic organizers illustrating their understanding of key concepts related to the upcoming unit. This visual representation can reveal their existing schema and connections between ideas.
Think-Pair-Share: Engage students in a Think-Pair-Share activity where they individually brainstorm what they already know about the topic, discuss their ideas with a partner, and then share with the class. This promotes peer learning and allows the teacher to assess collective prior knowledge.
Entrance Tickets or Exit Slips: Provide students with a short prompt related to the upcoming topic at the beginning or end of class. Their responses can give insights into their prior understanding and any misconceptions they may hold.
Observations and Interviews: Observe students during classroom discussions, activities, or group work related to the upcoming topic. Additionally, conduct brief interviews with students to ask open-ended questions about their understanding and experiences with the subject matter.
Anecdotal Notes: Keep anecdotal notes as you interact with students during everyday classroom activities. Note any comments, questions, or demonstrations of understanding that provide clues to their prior knowledge and misconceptions.
Pre-Assessment Projects or Presentations: Assign a small project or presentation that requires students to demonstrate their understanding of related concepts. This allows for creativity and provides a more holistic view of their knowledge and skills.
Self-Assessment Surveys: Have students complete a self-assessment survey or questionnaire where they reflect on their own strengths, weaknesses, and prior experiences with the topic. This encourages metacognition and self-awareness.
Learning Inventories: Administer a learning inventory or questionnaire that asks students about their preferred learning styles, interests, and prior experiences with similar topics. This information can help tailor instruction to their individual needs.
Technology-Based Assessments: Utilize educational apps, online quizzes, or interactive simulations that engage students in assessing their own knowledge and skills related to the upcoming topic.
Whatever method you choose, pre assessments will help you become a more effective learning designer.