What is the purpose of a pre-review in a lesson?

The purpose of a pre-review in a lesson is primarily to remind students of previously taught information. This step is essential in the learning process as it activates prior knowledge, creating a foundation upon which new material can be built. By refreshing students' memories about concepts, facts, or skills they have previously encountered, it allows them to connect new learning to what they already know. This connection can enhance understanding and retention of the new information being introduced.

While activating prior knowledge can also lead into introducing new vocabulary and assessing what students remember, the core function of a pre-review focuses on reinforcing the content already taught, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the new concepts that will follow. Summarizing lesson content typically occurs at the end of a lesson rather than at the beginning, which further clarifies the specific role of a pre-review in the instructional sequence.