Knowledge Topics – B12 Help Center

In B12, a knowledge topic is a set of concepts for which we want to measure learner acquisition.

Knowledge topics are different from learning objectives (which indicate the action the learner should be able to perform at the end of a course).

In general, each learning objective can be broken down into several knowledge topics.

💡 To learn how to create and manage knowledge topics, see the article The Educational Library in B12's Studio

What is the purpose of knowledge topics in B12?

A program will contain a list of targeted knowledge topics. Each question with feedback (quiz) must be associated with a knowledge topic.

B12 dashboards are used to assess the level of mastery of a knowledge topic. These topics should be chosen by the designers according to the key identified knowledge that they wish to measure. This ensures that dashboards display relevant information, enabling L&D teams and other stakeholders to, for example, take timely corrective action in cases of underperformance.

Two examples of programs and their knowledge topics

Context #1

Leadership program for first-level managers.

Program pedagogical objective

Formulate clear, empathetic messages during difficult conversations with employees.

Knowledge topics associated with the objective

Using adequate communication styles for each person.
Using active listening practices.
Considering a person's emotions when talking with them.
Clearly stating encountered challenges and future expectations.

Information sought in the dashboard

Aspects of difficult conversations mastered by participants.
Aspects of difficult conversations posing difficulties for participants.

Context #2

French reinforcement program implemented by a college-level teacher.

Pedagogical objective of the program

Conjugate verbs of all groups in the compound tenses of the indicative with an accuracy rate of 95%.

Knowledge topics associated with the objective

Past tense conjugation
Past perfect conjugation
Present tense conjugaison
Future tense conjugation

Information sought in the dashboard

Verb tenses mastered by participants
Verb tenses posing difficulties for participants

Possible corrective measures

In the short term, the teacher can adjust the exercises proposed in future lessons to target the verb tenses that participants are having difficulty mastering.
In the long term, the teacher can update the program to reflect the difficulties frequently encountered by participants.

How to choose knowledge topics

Consider your learning objectives.

Break these down into a number of knowledge topics (usually between 1 and 3 per objective, but this can be more or less depending on the situation).

Ask yourself: Approximately how many questions will I be able to write for each knowledge topic in the program?

If the number is smaller than 5 questions per topic, formulate topics that will encompass a larger number of questions.
If the topic is too specific, the data in the dashboard will not be representative of the actual knowledge level. Remember that the dashboard shows the average pass rate for each topic. If a subject is covered by only a few questions, the fluctuations will be too pronounced.
If the number of possible questions seems enormous, check that your topic isn't too broad.
Ideally, all the topics in your program should have a fairly equal number of questions.

💡 Recommendation: A minimum of 5 to 8 questions per subject is recommended. There is no maximum, but make sure that all topics are covered evenly, and that your program is not too long with too many questions. If necessary, separate your topics into different programs.

Ask yourself: Will it be useful for the organization to know the success rates of participants in relation to these knowledge topics?

If the answer is no, consider reworking your topics so that they generate useful information for the organization.

Ask yourself: Will the organization be able to take action to correct the performance gaps observed in relation to this knowledge topic?

If the answer is no, consider reworking your topics so that they enable corrective action to be taken in the event of a performance gap.

🚩 Pitfalls to avoid

1. Too many knowledge topics

Each topic may correspond to a small number of questions. As a result, the data in the dashboard will show drastic discrepancies and will be less representative of the participants' actual level of mastery.

2. Too few knowledge topics

In the event of under-performance, these topics will not make it possible to isolate sources of confusion and take corrective action.

FAQ

Do knowledge topics have to start with a verb?

Not necessarily. When a knowledge topic corresponds to a set of concepts, it doesn't always begin with a verb (for example: “The basics of communication”, “Sources of motivation”, etc.).
On the other hand, when a knowledge topic corresponds to one or more skills, it often begins with a verb (e.g. “Locking an air compressor”, “Completing a financial statement”, etc.).
In any case, the formulation of knowledge topics is less important than the quality and intelligibility of the information they provide in B12 dashboards.