Checking learning involves a multi-faceted approach that assesses what students know and understand at different stages of the learning process. This ensures educators can effectively gauge student progress and tailor instruction accordingly. The core idea is to move from understanding what students bring to the table to see how far they've come.
Three Key Stages of Checking Learning
The process of checking learning can be broken down into three key stages:
| Stage | Focus | Description | Tools/Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Before Instruction | What students already know or believe | Understanding prior knowledge and any pre-conceived notions or misconceptions is crucial for effective teaching. This stage is about identifying the baseline. | Diagnostic assessments, pre-tests, classroom discussions, KWL charts (Know, Want to know, Learned) |
| 2. During Instruction | What students are coming to understand or are learning | Monitoring the learning process as it unfolds. This helps to identify areas where students may be struggling or succeeding and adjust teaching methods. | Formative assessments, quizzes, observations, classwork, questioning techniques, exit tickets |
| 3. After Instruction | What students have learned | Evaluating the overall learning outcome. This focuses on assessing if students have met learning objectives. | Summative assessments, end-of-unit tests, projects, presentations |
Detailed Examination of Each Stage
1. Assessing Prior Knowledge: The Diagnostic Approach
As the reference mentions, diagnostic assessments provide usable knowledge about what students already know and understand before instruction. This is a critical first step.
- Why is this important? Identifying prior knowledge helps teachers:
- Tailor the curriculum to meet students’ specific needs.
- Address any misconceptions early on.
- Build on existing knowledge to facilitate deeper understanding.
- Examples of tools and methods:
- Pre-tests: Short quizzes given before instruction to gauge initial understanding.
- Classroom discussions: Encouraging students to share what they already know.
- KWL charts: Having students fill in the 'Know' section before starting a new topic.
2. Monitoring Learning: The Formative Approach
During the teaching process, it's crucial to monitor students' understanding and adapt as needed. This involves:
- Ongoing assessment: Regularly checking in to see if students grasp the content.
- Adjusting instruction: Modifying teaching based on the feedback received.
- Examples of tools and methods:
- Formative quizzes: Short quizzes at the end of a lesson to see what students understood.
- Observations: Monitoring students' engagement and understanding during activities.
- Questioning techniques: Asking open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking.
- Exit tickets: Quick prompts at the end of a lesson to gauge understanding.
3. Evaluating Learning: The Summative Approach
After a unit or lesson, it's time to assess what students have learned overall. This involves:
- Assessing final knowledge: Measuring how well students have met the learning objectives.
- Providing feedback: Giving students feedback on their overall learning.
- Examples of tools and methods:
- Summative tests: End-of-unit tests or final exams.
- Projects: Complex tasks that allow students to demonstrate their understanding.
- Presentations: Opportunities for students to communicate what they’ve learned to others.
Key Takeaways
- Checking learning is not just about grades; it’s about understanding student progress.
- A balanced approach involving diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments is crucial.
- Feedback should be used to adjust teaching and guide future learning.
