NYSTCE Students With Disabilities Practice Test

What teaching strategy is Mr. Deeds using to activate prior knowledge at the beginning of class?

1. Graphic organizer

2. Anticipation guide

3. Think sheet

4. Brainstorming strategy

The correct answer is: Anticipation guide

An anticipation guide is a teaching strategy that effectively activates prior knowledge by prompting students to express their thoughts and beliefs about a specific topic or concept before they engage with new content. By using this strategy, Mr. Deeds encourages students to reflect on what they already know, which sets the stage for deeper learning and connection to the new material. The anticipation guide typically includes statements related to the upcoming lesson that students agree or disagree with, fostering discussion and critical thinking. This not only helps to gauge students’ pre-existing knowledge but also stimulates interest and engagement in the content that will follow. While the other strategies mentioned have their own merits, they do not specifically target the activation of prior knowledge in the same intentional manner as an anticipation guide does. Graphic organizers are excellent for organizing information but are typically used during or after instruction. Think sheets focus on personal reflection or problem-solving rather than activating prior knowledge. Brainstorming strategies encourage free thought and idea generation but may not explicitly connect to students' existing knowledge about the content being introduced.