Which method is least effective for assessing prior knowledge?

Follow-up surveys conducted after training are primarily designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the training itself rather than assess participants' prior knowledge. These surveys typically focus on feedback regarding the content, delivery, and participants' experiences, as well as their learning outcomes after the training session. Consequently, they do not effectively measure what learners already knew before the training commenced.

In contrast, quizzes before training, initial evaluations, and pre-assessments are explicitly geared toward gauging participants' existing knowledge. These methods provide immediate insight into learners' backgrounds, which can inform and tailor the training content to better meet their needs. Therefore, while follow-up surveys are invaluable for assessing the impact and efficacy of training, they do not serve the purpose of assessing prior knowledge and are the least effective method for that specific objective.