TLC #029: How Learning Happens - How To Unlock the Power of Prior Knowledge and Ignite Effective Teaching and Learning (Part 1)
In this edition, we begin our exploration of prior knowledge as a learning science concept by creating a step-by-step guide to how it can be leveraged to drive effective teaching and learning.
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Welcome to all new subscribers. I am Omotayo Olorunfemi; a learning and development specialist. Check out the archive for previous editions using the first link above. Welcome!!! Once again.
One Learning Quote
“There is no alternative! All new learning builds on prior learning”. - Jeffery D. Wilhelm
One Article
Learners come to the classroom with a broad range of pre-existing knowledge, skills, beliefs, and attitudes, which influence how they attend, interpret, and organize incoming information. How they process and integrate new information will, in turn, affect how they remember, think, apply, and create new knowledge.
Since new knowledge and skills are dependent on pre-existing knowledge and skills, knowing what learners know and can do when they come into the classroom or before they begin a new topic of study can help us craft instructional activities that build off of learners’ strengths and acknowledge and address their weaknesses.
So, what, then, is prior knowledge?
Prior knowledge represents all of the knowledge someone brings to a new learning experience or situation that can be used to make sense of this new experience or situation.
Prior knowledge refers to the information, no matter how limited, a learner has at the start of learning a new topic.
This knowledge will likely have been gathered over time in a variety of ways. If the prior knowledge is correct and consistent with the new information being taught, the effect on learning is positive. However, if prior knowledge conflicts with new information, the effect on new learning can be negative.
How to leverage prior knowledge for effective teaching and learning
Irrespective of the type of learning experience you are creating—an online course, face-to-face classroom learning, ILT, VILT, and so on—prior knowledge has long been considered the most important factor influencing learning and learners’ achievement. The amount and quality of prior knowledge positively influence both knowledge acquisition and the capacity to apply higher-order cognitive problem-solving skills.
Below is a step-by-step guide to how to leverage learners’ prior knowledge to drive effective teaching and learning:
Step 1: Assess Prior Knowledge
Begin by assessing the learners' prior knowledge related to the topic you are about to teach.
How-to: Use various methods such as pre-assessments, surveys, quizzes, or open-ended questions to gauge their existing understanding and experiences.
This will help you understand the diversity of knowledge within the group and identify any knowledge gaps or misconceptions.
Step 2: Activate Prior Knowledge
Activate learners' prior knowledge by creating connections between what they already know and the new content.
How-to: Start the lesson by asking thought-provoking questions or presenting real-life scenarios that relate to the topic. Encourage learners to share their experiences, opinions, or insights.
This process helps to make the learning relevant, engaging and sets the stage for building upon their existing knowledge.
Step 3: Make Connections
Explicitly connect the new concepts or skills to the learners' prior knowledge. Highlight similarities and differences between their existing understanding and the new information.
How-to: Use analogies, metaphors, or visual representations to bridge the gap between familiar and unfamiliar ideas. Encourage learners to draw connections themselves and discuss how their prior knowledge relates to the new content.
Step 4: Address Misconceptions
Identify any misconceptions or inaccurate beliefs that learners may hold based on their prior knowledge. Misconceptions can hinder learning and must be addressed.
How-to: Provide clear explanations and evidence-based examples to correct these misconceptions. Encourage peer-to-peer discussions to promote collective learning and foster a deeper understanding of the correct concepts.
Step 5: Differentiate Instruction
Recognize that learners come with diverse backgrounds and prior knowledge. Adjust your teaching strategies and materials accordingly to accommodate the different levels of understanding.
How-to: Offer additional resources or alternative explanations for learners who require extra support. Provide extension activities or advanced challenges for those who have a solid grasp of the topic.
Step 6: Scaffold Learning
Gradually scaffold learning experiences by building upon prior knowledge and introducing progressively complex concepts.
How-to: Use a scaffolded approach that allows learners to construct new knowledge based on their existing understanding. Provide guided practice, feedback, and opportunities for reflection to reinforce their learning and help them make connections independently.
Step 7: Encourage Metacognition
Promote metacognitive skills by encouraging learners to reflect on their learning process.
How-to: Ask them to evaluate how their prior knowledge influenced their understanding of new concepts. Encourage self-assessment and goal-setting to enhance their ability to make connections and transfer knowledge to new situations.
Step 8: Assess Learning
Regularly assess learners' progress and understanding throughout the learning process.
How-to: Use formative assessments, such as quizzes, discussions, or project-based tasks, to gauge their comprehension and identify areas for further reinforcement.
Offer constructive feedback that relates to their prior knowledge and encourages further growth.
By leveraging prior knowledge, educators can create a strong foundation for effective teaching and learning. Acknowledging learners' existing understanding, addressing misconceptions, and building connections with new concepts can significantly enhance the learning experience.
In the coming weeks, we will be carrying out a teardown of each of these individual steps and exploring how they help foster learning.
References
https://www.teachwithmrst.com/post/the-importance-of-prior-knowledge
https://www.cmu.edu/teaching/designteach/teach/priorknowledge.html
One Video
This less-than-a-minute video below, posted by Teach For Life on YouTube, aptly sums up the basic concept of prior knowledge.
One Learning Question
What is one habit you've formed that has had a significant impact on your life?
What We Are Reading
Office of EdTech on AI and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Defining Artificial Intelligence
Degreed on THE LEARNING LEADER’S GUIDE TO THRIVING IN AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN
Scott H. Young on 10 Mental Models for Learning Anything
That’s it for this week.
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