1.3. Determine the Knowledge Base. Readings

How to teach based on students' prior knowledge

Matching teaching plans to cater to students' existing understanding and learning gaps is a crucial aspect of effective teaching ensuring that instruction is both accessible and challenging.

First, analyse the data gathered on prior knowledge and learning is needed. Carefully examine the results from informal discussions, quizzes, surveys and any diagnostic assessments you've collected. Following that:

• Reflect on the curriculum: based on the trends in student assessment, what are the most common mistakes or missing knowledge/skills that many students lack?

• Assess individual and group needs: Distinguish between the learning gaps of the whole class and the specific needs of individual students or small cultural groups.

• Consider the cultural context: Reflect on how students' understanding may be influenced by the different cultural backgrounds in your country or university and identify any culturally specific knowledge or experiences that can be used or considered.

• Differentiate between content, process and result: When tailoring the information provided to students, provide simpler texts for those who struggle, and offer more complex readings, research opportunities or self-learning opportunities for the advanced. Change student activities. Offer choices about how they explore the material (e.g. reading, watching videos, conducting interviews). If possible, as a result, allow students to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways that are appropriate to their strengths and cultural backgrounds (e.g. writing, creating a presentation, building models, research evidence).