What method can help a sub teacher assess student knowledge before a lesson?

The K-W-L method is an effective tool for assessing student knowledge prior to a lesson because it encourages students to reflect on what they Know, what they Want to know, and what they will Learn. This structured approach allows the substitute teacher to gauge existing knowledge and identify areas of interest or confusion among the students. By engaging students in this way, the substitute can tailor the lesson to better meet their needs, ensuring that the lesson is relevant and engaging.

In the K-W-L framework, the first step involves students sharing what they already know about a topic, which helps the teacher identify prior knowledge and misconceptions. The second part, discussing what students want to know, sparks curiosity and personal investment in the learning process. Finally, after the lesson, students reflect on what they have learned, which aids both retention and self-assessment.

Other methods like multiple-choice quizzes, group discussions, and peer assessments have their strengths but may not provide as immediate and focused insight into individual students' pre-existing knowledge and interests as the K-W-L method does. These alternative approaches might assess knowledge differently, but they don't typically encourage personal reflection or curiosity in the same structured way that K-W-L does.