According to noted learning theorist Jean Piaget, accessing prior knowledge is how children make sense of the world. They attempt to take new information and fit it into existing knowledge in order to create a schema, or mental map that fits into a specific category. This makes the information more accessible because it is more memorable. When they make connections, it allows them to find the information using this network.
What Students Know
When students come into a classroom, they enter with a wide range of experiences and come from many cultures. They have ideas, knowledge and concepts that are already formed. Some of this knowledge may be incorrect and some might be right on target, but needs expansion. This prior knowledge is very important to acknowledge in order to motivate student learning. When teachers discount the previous knowledge that students bring into the classroom, they risk ostracizing them. Instead of discounting previously learned material, build upon it to increase knowledge retention.
How Learning Occurs
Children are learning from birth and may enter class with a great deal of useful information that can be applied to lessons to encourage a deeper understanding. Children today have increasing levels of technology in particular. All of this prior knowledge can be useful for helping them grow and learn. Teachers should make every effort to encourage children to access their previously learned knowledge to help them to better understand academics, structure and social dynamics.
Tools to Access Prior Knowledge
In order to take advantage of a student's prior knowledge, teachers should use tools such as graphic organizers and KWL outlines to help them access what they know and make connections to the learned material. Teachers should also be sure to build on a topic in order to make it personal for the student. Most topics of study can be connected to the student in a personal way at some point.
Cooperative Groups
Using groups of cooperative learners will also help them share ideas that will enable them to activate prior knowledge. Activating prior knowledge within the curriculum can also make the material more valid for the student. By connecting the material through the students own experiences, ideas and perceptions the lesson becomes more meaningful for the students and therefore more easily retained.
Linking to Learning
It is unlikely a child will learn a lesson if they do not have some prior knowledge on the subject matter. Building upon this knowledge is an important part of helping students to learn and grow academically, and help them to become avid knowledge seekers throughout their lifetime. Assess prior knowledge by using interviews, dialogue, and discussion to ensure you can build upon what students know to help further their academic advancement.
 |
