Using pre-assessment to prepare for students' Academics/Cognitive Skills

"If new learning is built on a base of previous knowledge, it stands to reason that teachers should find out what students know, or think they know" (Guskey 2016) Determining what students know about a topic is important because it can help a teacher from wasting time. Given how difficult time management can be, it is absolutely crucial to teach what needs to be taught. Beyond teachers using their time wisely, it is more enjoyable and more profitable for students to be learning new material and not being bored in class to ensure great engagement.

Through reading student files, I am able to best understand a given students abilities in their academic classes and can act upon any alerts that are active. However, in my class, I am aware that students may struggle in academics though they find success in band. I generally have sections play and address a section at a time, rather than individual players. I do address individuals from time to time, but I find that I get better overall results by addressing groups.

Guskey, T., McTighe, J. (2016) Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology Faculty Publications. "PRE-ASSESSMENT: Promises and Cautions". https://uknowledge.uky.edu/edp_facpub/17