FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Why might a history teacher begin a unit on the Civil War by brainstorming students' thoughts on the subject?

1. To assess student comprehension

2. To activate prior knowledge

3. To promote classroom discussion

4. To establish learning objectives

The correct answer is: To activate prior knowledge

Beginning a unit on the Civil War by brainstorming students' thoughts engages them in the subject matter and helps activate their prior knowledge. This technique allows the teacher to tap into what students already know or believe about the topic, which can include their ideas, perceptions, and relevant experiences. Activating prior knowledge is crucial because it serves as a foundation for new learning, enabling students to make connections with the material that will be presented during the unit. This process not only fosters deeper understanding but also enhances retention of information as students relate new concepts to their existing knowledge base. While assessing comprehension and establishing learning objectives are important in educational settings, these actions typically occur at different stages of instruction. Promoting classroom discussion can be a byproduct of brainstorming but is not the primary goal in this context. The focus is squarely on leveraging what students already know to enhance their learning experience about the Civil War.