National Evaluation Series (NES) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Test

Why is it important to determine assessments before selecting learning activities in lesson planning?

1. All learning activities should prepare students to demonstrate mastery of the learning objectives.

2. Test-taking skills are more important than content knowledge.

3. The teacher's focus should be on assessment because all learning activities are pulled from the textbook.

4. School leaders care more about test scores than students.

The correct answer is: All learning activities should prepare students to demonstrate mastery of the learning objectives.

Determining assessments before selecting learning activities in lesson planning is crucial because it ensures that the activities are purposefully aligned with the learning objectives. This approach ensures that all learning activities are designed to prepare students for demonstrating mastery of those objectives adequately. By starting with the assessments, educators can create a clear roadmap that guides instructional strategies and classroom engagement, ensuring that every activity contributes to the overarching goals of the lesson. This alignment facilitates a coherent learning experience where students can track their progress toward specific outcomes, ultimately driving more meaningful and effective learning. This focus on mastery over mere activity engagement promotes deeper understanding and retention of the material, which is vital for student success.