Why is it important to build on pupils’ existing knowledge, skills and understanding when writing a learning objective?

Answer

It is important to build on pupils’ existing knowledge, skills and understanding when writing a learning objective because…

Your answer could include the following points:

1. Objectives that expand upon learners’ existing knowledge, understanding and skills are more likely to be achieved. This is because as a teacher, you are building what they know and are able to do gradually, rather than throwing too many new concepts at your pupils and hoping that they will grasp what you have taught them. For example, the pupils in the first two lessons created models of a heart, which enabled them develop the skill of identifying the parts of a heart and to be able to describe its functions in this lesson.

2. When pupils recognise a clear link between what they already know and what they are learning, they are more likely to be interested and engaged. This also helps to build their confidence.

3. Building on what a pupil already knows allows you as the teacher to tailor content, scaffold pupils to ensure that every pupil can hit the learning objective and to be able to assess their gradual development more accurately.

4. Using existing knowledge in new situations helps pupils to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.