Which component of a lesson plan outlines the skills or knowledge students must have before beginning the lesson?

The correct choice highlights the concept of prerequisites, which are essential elements in a lesson plan that indicate the foundational skills or knowledge students should possess prior to engaging with the new material. This ensures that students come prepared, allowing the instructor to build on existing knowledge rather than backtrack to cover essential bases. Identifying prerequisites helps tailor the lesson to the learners' current capabilities, enhancing the effectiveness of instruction and promoting a smoother learning experience.

In contrast, learning objectives typically describe what students should be able to do by the end of the lesson, rather than what they need to know beforehand. Instructional strategies are the methods and approaches used to deliver content and facilitate learning during the lesson itself. Assessment methods are the tools and techniques employed to evaluate whether students have achieved the stated learning objectives post-instruction. Therefore, focusing on prerequisites is crucial for setting the stage for a successful lesson.