Pre-learning is an instructional approach where students engage with course content before attending a lecture or classroom session. It prepares them with foundational knowledge, allowing in-class time to be more interactive, discussion-driven, and application-oriented rather than just content delivery ​(Bergmann & Sams, 2012)​.

This strategy is commonly used in flipped learning models and blended learning environments, where students take ownership of their learning journey outside the classroom and use class time to apply, analyze, and collaborate.

• Better Knowledge Retention

When students engage with materials before class, they build a basic understanding that makes it easier to grasp complex concepts during lectures.

• More Interactive and Engaging Classes

Instead of spending time on content delivery, class sessions become more dynamic focusing on discussions, problem-solving, and deeper learning.

• Supports Different Learning Paces

Students can learn at their own pace before class, reviewing materials as needed. This is especially helpful for those who need extra time to process new information.

• Encourages Independent Learning

Pre-learning shifts students from passive receivers of information to active learners, helping them take responsibility for their own education.

• Helps Instructors Tailor Lessons

With tools like Moodle quizzes or discussion forums, lecturers can assess student understanding before class and adjust their teaching strategies accordingly.

The development of Pre-Learning in Moodle may be carried out by anyone who has a teacher role in Moodle and can add the following activities:

• Pre-test
  Providing tests or quizzes to measure students’ understanding of a topic before they begin in-depth learning. Things to consider when preparing a quiz include selecting engaging quiz types such as multiple choice, drag and drop, matching, and true or false. Next, prepare the quiz questions (question bank) and set up automatic feedback that can be configured in Moodle for asynchronous quizzes.

Link tutorial: Quiz Setting

• Reading Materials
  Uploading reading materials or articles for students to review before starting the main lesson. This could include articles, books, or journals that provide basic context. Things to consider when providing reading materials or supporting references include clear instructions to assist students in independent learning, a writing style tailored to the learners, and appropriate illustrations that align with the content to be delivered.

Link tutorial: Moodle 4

• Introductory Learning Videos
  Providing videos that introduce concepts or topics to be studied, giving students a general overview before the main learning sessions.

Example: Learning Videos

• Discussion Forum
  Encouraging students to participate in a discussion forum to share their prior knowledge about the topic to be studied. This helps create a collaborative learning foundation. Preparing a discussion forum can be done using several examples as follows:

Preparing a discussion forum can be done using several examples as follows:

1. Discussions Drive Connections among Students
   Reflective Discussion: Connecting students to share experiences and relate them to case studies.
2. Topical Discussions
   Discussion activities that focus on specific content (modules/topics).
3. Performance Review Discussion
   Discussion activities that emphasize rubrics/student performance outcomes.
4. Effective Practices
   Overlapping Discussions (requires further explanation).

Link tutorial: MOODLE 4 – Forum

• Reflection Activities
  Asking students to reflect on their prior knowledge or experiences related to the topic that will be studied, often through journals or discussion forums.

Link tutorial: Moodle User Guide – Journal

• Interactive Learning Activities using H5P
  Using H5P features to create interactive content, such as quizzes, interactive videos, or drag-and-drop exercises, that help students prepare for more advanced learning.

The development of digital teaching materials can also be assisted by the Directorate of the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) with the following procedures.

Need Assistance? Our CTL team is here to help!
Reach out to us at edu.tech@uph.edu for support and training sessions.
Let’s innovate together in teaching and learning!