Background Knowledge Probe

Type of strategy: AssessmentWriting and/or Reflection
Use when you need to quickly assess the skills or knowledge levels of your audience members. This strategy is especially effective in a workshop that lasts several days or is delivered in multiple sessions.
Directions:
- List topics you plan to address in your workshop on a handout with numbers 1-4 spaced to the right.
- Have participants circle the number that best reflects their knowledge level for each topic.
- Collect and read to determine the expertise of the group and if you need to modify instruction to best meet participant needs.
- Near the end of your workshop you may wish to have participants go back to the BKP and repeat step 2 using a different color pen or pencil, providing an opportunity for self-reflection.
NOTE: You should return the BKPs after reading them in step 3 so that they are ready for this step.
Submitted by: Jennifer Arns