Taxonomy of learning
Knowlege of the standards of the field is highly essential in creating the foundation of learning. I always assess the basic knowledge in my students before going further. Only then, the students and I, together will step into a higher level of abstract and conceptual learning.
I like to use pre-tests or quizes prior to starting a new unit of information. This helps me know what to reinforce in the new unit and how to pace myself.
I do think the knowledge of standards is highly essential as well. I never teach a subject before diving into the National Board Examination standards for that course so my students fullfill all the objectives directly applied to the knowledge, understanding and application of each each of them in relation to what they are going to be testing and what they are going to be applying in their work field. Then, I do assess their basic knowledge and I do not move further until they know the basis, even if the basis was not part of my course.
changhiz,
This is important to remember, even for instructors that are teaching upper-level courses. Before their is an exploration of abstract learning topics, the students must first have a solid grasp of the core, subject concepts. It could take the first few weeks of the course to ensure that the students have mastered some of the basic concepts.
Tremayne Simpson
