# Probe Knowledge

> Diagnose a learner's current understanding of a topic before teaching or planning. Use when a lesson should adapt to prior knowledge, gaps, or misconceptions. Do not use when the learner explicitly wants to skip assessment.

- Skill: `tawgroup/probe-knowledge` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tawgroup/probe-knowledge`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tawgroup/probe-knowledge/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tawgroup (https://skillmd.com/u/tawgroup)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tawgroup/probe-knowledge

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# Probe Knowledge

Find the boundary between what the learner can use reliably and what they cannot yet use. Probe only knowledge that matters to the stated goal.

## Method

1. Split the goal into its prerequisite strands.
2. Ask one small question at a time. Prefer explanation, prediction, or application over vocabulary recall.
3. After a correct answer, increase difficulty noticeably.
4. After an incorrect or uncertain answer, ask one nearby question. Distinguish a slip from a missing concept or misconception.
5. Stop when each important strand has a known floor and a known gap. Keep ordinary probes to 3–7 questions unless the topic demands more.

Always allow “I don't know.” Do not teach during the probe except to clarify the question. Do not punish partial answers; they are useful evidence.

## Result

Return a compact learner map:

- **Solid:** ideas the learner can explain or apply.
- **Shaky:** ideas recognized but not yet reliable.
- **Missing:** prerequisites not yet understood.
- **Misconceptions:** confident models that conflict with the subject.
- **Starting point:** the first concept worth teaching.

If the learner prefers not to be quizzed, accept a self-assessment and mark it as unverified.