Assessing Students' Prior Knowledge of Geometric Concepts
Some teachers find it challenging to think about how to incorporate concepts in math taught before and prior to their grade level. However, as students enter middle school from the elementary grades they may have a wide range of mastery of concepts and skills in math. Differentiating instruction is key to meeting the needs of all students in a middle school Geometry classroom.
In Topic A of this module, you reviewed some of the major concepts in Geometry required by the NCTM standards. You also took some time to consider what concepts your current students (or students you've worked with in the past) know and the concepts they need to master. When evaluating student's prior knowledge of Geometry concepts, teachers should ask the following questions:
- What concepts are my students already familiar with?
- What are the next concepts, ideas and skills they need to connect with?
- How can I make sure that all students have mastered these concepts and meet the NCTM and my own district or state standards?
In the activity for this topic, you will discuss methods that can be used for both formal and informal assessment.