Build Skills for a Topic

The success of an Oppia topic depends on how well the subject matter is decomposed into discrete, measurable units. This guide outlines how Admins and Topic Managers can effectively structure these skills.

In this article, you will learn how to:

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1. Break Down Topics

The admin or topic manager should break down a Topic into as many concrete Skills as possible. The more Skills you generate, the easier it will be to guide learners toward a deeper understanding of a Topic.

Tip

Example: Decimals Topic

If the Topic is decimals, generate all possible Skills related to this subject, such as:

  • Given a decimal with a zero in the ones place, recognize that the decimal is less than one.

  • Given a decimal number, identify the whole number and fractional parts of the decimal.

  • Given a whole number, write the decimal equivalent.

Note

Be aware of skills that aren’t taught explicitly in the lessons but are necessary for success. For example, a learner might need to know how to estimate sums before performing specific decimal addition.

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2. Build Logically

Arrange the Skills in an order where each one builds upon the last. A learner should be able to acquire a Skill without needing prerequisite knowledge of Skills that appear later in the sequence.

This logical flow makes it easier to plan the lesson structure. As learners progress, they build upon the knowledge and Skills previously acquired.

[Image of a learning hierarchy or skill scaffolding diagram]

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3. Group Skills into Subtopics

After arranging the Skills logically, group them into Subtopics so that learners can review and practice specific knowledge clusters.

Example Grouping:

  • Subtopic: Introduction to Decimals

    • Given a decimal with a zero in the ones place, recognize that the decimal is less than one.

    • Given a decimal number, identify the whole number and fractional parts of the decimal.

  • Subtopic: Decimal Concepts

    • Given a decimal number, state the place value of each digit.

    • Given a decimal with hundredths place value, round it to the nearest tenth.

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4. Specify Prerequisite Skills

Identify skills a learner must have that may not be part of the immediate topic scope. These should include:

  • External Skills: Knowledge from outside the current topic.

  • Internal Skills: Specific Skills from previous lessons in the series.

Specifying these allows Oppia to generate random review questions at the start of each lesson. This ensures learners have mastered the foundations required for the current material before proceeding.

5. List Acquired Skills

Finally, clearly define the “Acquired Skills” — the specific abilities learners will have mastered by the end of the lesson. This final list serves as the primary roadmap for lesson creators during the development of their explorations.