Charts that ask the student to assess their prior knowledge are called Knowledge Ratings (Blachowicz, 1986). The teacher presents students with a list of concepts or topics related to the text, and surveys their knowledge regarding these topics. A variety of headings where students indicate their knowledge and at times offer examples are possible.
Sample Knowledge Rating Chart (scroll through chapter to page 8 for examples)
Example Knowledge Rating
Research Question: Does our culture create who we are?
| Topic | Knowledge Rating (circle one) |
Write a few of the most important things that you know about this topic and/or questions that come up when you think of the topic. | Interest in Learning More Rating (circle one) |
| Neighborhoods | I know a lot.
I know some. This is new to me |
I’m interested in learning more.
I’m okay with learning this.I’m not interested. |
|
| Chinatown | I know a lot.
I know some. This is new to me |
I’m interested in learning more.
I’m okay with learning this.I’m not interested. |
|
| Chinese Cooking | I know a lot.
I know some. This is new to me |
I’m interested in learning more.
I’m okay with learning this.I’m not interested. |
|
| School for children in China | I know a lot.
I know some. This is new to me |
I’m interested in learning more.
I’m okay with learning this.I’m not interested. |