ABCTE Professional Teaching Knowledge Practice Exam

Before beginning a new book on baby dinosaurs, what activity best assesses prior knowledge?

1. Show photos of dinosaurs and ask if they have read stories about them

2. Show drawings of dinosaurs and engage the class in discussion

3. Ask students to write about what they already know

4. Visit a museum exhibit on dinosaurs

The correct answer is: Show drawings of dinosaurs and engage the class in discussion

Engaging the class in a discussion using drawings of dinosaurs effectively assesses prior knowledge because it allows students to express what they already know in a dynamic and interactive way. This activity can stimulate conversation, encourage participation, and draw out background information from students that may not surface in a written format. It also provides an opportunity for students to build on each other's contributions, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Additionally, visual elements like drawings can trigger memories and ideas linked to the topic, leading to a richer understanding of students' prior experiences and knowledge regarding dinosaurs. Other methods presented do have their merits, but they may not be as effective in gauging students' collective background knowledge. For example, showing photos or visiting a museum exhibit may introduce new information rather than assessing what students already know. Asking students to write about their knowledge could lead to varied responses but might not engage all students equally and may restrict spontaneous discussion and sharing of ideas. Thus, a group discussion spurred by visual prompts tends to yield more immediate and rich insights into students' prior knowledge.