TLC #032: How To Unlock the Power of Prior Knowledge: Connecting New Learning Concepts to Learners' Prior Knowledge
In this edition of the Learning Chronicle newsletter, we explore the step-by-step guide of how to connect new learning concepts leveraging learners’ prior knowledge for effective teaching and learning
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Here is your weekly dose of “The Learning Chronicle Newsletter," curated content that leverages the learning sciences, data, and evidence-based research to help K–12 educators, stakeholders, and learners enable, support, and optimize how learning happens while preparing learners for the future of work and solving real-world problems.
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
“Man can learn nothing unless he proceeds from the known to the unknown”. - Claude Bernard
One Article
This is the fourth part of an ongoing series on prior knowledge.
Click on the links below to read the first, second, and third parts.
How To Unlock the Power of Prior Knowledge and Ignite Effective Teaching and Learning
How To Unlock the Power of Prior Knowledge: Assessing Learners' Prior Knowledge
How To Unlock the Power of Prior Knowledge: Activating Learners' Prior Knowledge
Connecting new concepts, ideas, knowledge, and skills to learners' prior knowledge is essential for deepening understanding and promoting meaningful learning experiences.
This learning template provides examples of effective strategies to establish connections between new content and learners' existing knowledge.
Step 1: Identify Prior Knowledge
Before introducing new concepts, you need to assess and activate learners' prior knowledge through pre-assessments, surveys, concept mapping, discussions, and so on as discussed earlier.
This step helps you understand what learners already know and provides a foundation for making connections.
Step 2: Relate to Personal Experience
Find ways to relate the new content to learners' personal experiences.
Examples of connecting new concepts to learners’ personal experiences include:
Ask learners to share personal stories or examples related to the topic.
Relate the new content to real-life situations that learners may have encountered in their everyday lives or to prior learning to create relevance and engage their interest.
Encourage learners to reflect on how the new concept relates to their personal goals, interests, or aspirations.
Step 3: Use Analogies and Metaphors
Analogies and metaphors are powerful tools for connecting new concepts to learners' prior knowledge.
Examples of how to use them include:
Use an analogy to explain a complex concept by comparing it to something familiar. For instance, "The process of photosynthesis is like a factory that converts sunlight into energy, just as a solar panel converts sunlight into electricity."
Employ metaphors to create vivid mental images and associations. For example, "Learning a new language is like unlocking a door to a whole new world of opportunities."
Step 4: Build on Existing Knowledge
Deliberately build upon learners' existing knowledge by identifying areas of overlap or similarities.
Examples of how to do this include:
Connect new concepts to previously learned content by highlighting similarities or extensions. For instance, "Remember when we discussed [prior topic]? The concept we're exploring now builds upon that foundation."
Identify common themes or patterns between new and prior knowledge and emphasize the connections. This helps learners see the relevance and interconnectedness of different concepts.
Step 5: Provide Concrete Examples
Illustrate new concepts with concrete examples that resonate with learners' prior knowledge.
Examples of how to do this include:
Use everyday objects or situations as examples to demonstrate the application of new concepts. For example, when teaching about forces, relate them to pushing or pulling objects in daily life.
Incorporate case studies or stories that align with learners' prior experiences to showcase how the new content is applicable in real-world contexts.
Step 6: Scaffolding Learning Progression
Design learning experiences that scaffold the progression from familiar to unfamiliar concepts.
Examples of how to do this include:
Begin with a review of prior knowledge related to the new content, providing a brief recap or refresher before introducing new ideas.
Break down complex concepts into smaller, more manageable steps, ensuring learners have a solid foundation before moving on to more advanced content.
Present the information in a step-by-step manner using visual aids such as diagrams, charts, or concept maps to help students visualize the relationships between familiar and unfamiliar concepts and aid their understanding of the new concept.
Think aloud and demonstrate how to approach and solve problems using the new concept, providing clear explanations and rationale.
Offer structured activities or worksheets with scaffolds, guiding questions, or step-by-step instructions to support their learning.
Assign tasks or projects that require them to use the concept in real-world or problem-solving scenarios.
Offer feedback and support as needed to ensure their success.
Step 7: Encourage Reflection and Connection-Making
Encourage learners to reflect on their prior knowledge and actively make connections to the new content.
For example:
Provide opportunities for learners to reflect on how their prior knowledge has influenced their understanding of the new concepts.
Foster discussions and collaborative activities where learners can share their connections, perspectives, and insights with their peers.
Encourage them to reflect on their understanding of the unfamiliar concept, the connections they made, and the skills they developed.
Conclusion:
Connecting new concepts, ideas, knowledge, and skills to learners' prior knowledge is essential for meaningful learning experiences. By relating to personal experiences, using analogies and metaphors, building on existing knowledge, providing concrete examples, scaffolding learning, and encouraging reflection and connection-making, educators can create a bridge between what learners already know and the new content they are acquiring. This promotes deeper understanding, enhances engagement, and fosters a sense of relevance and application in the learning journey.
One Video
This one-minute-plus video below, posted by Columbia University on YouTube, aptly sums up the critical need for activating prior knowledge in learners.
One Learning Question
If I do nothing, what will happen?
If I act right now, what will happen?
What We Are Reading
The Observatory on Beyond ChatGPT: Toward Regulating Artificial Intelligence
A.J. Juliani on AI Will End a Culture of Learning Compliance (if it hasn’t already)
Reboot on The TikTok Challenge: Curbing Social Media’s Influence On Young Minds
That’s it for this week.
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