Background+Knowledge

** Background Knowledge ** ** Definition ** Background knowledge, also known as prior knowledge, is what a learner already knows about a topic. Learners gather this knowledge from personal experiences and/or prior instruction. The depth, range, and accuracy of this knowledge coupled with the ability to activate it, greatly impacts learning. Misconceptions about a topic can negatively impact future learning, while solid understandings can enhance it. When teachers activate and build background knowledge for their learners, gaps or holes in the learners’ schemata are filled.

** Resources ** ** Books: **  Ambrose, S. A., Bridges, M.W., DiPietro, M., Lovett, M.C., Norman, Marie K//. (2010) How Learning Works-// // 7 Research-Based Principles for Smart Teaching //. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Echevarria, J., Vogt, M., & Short, D.J. (2008) //Making Content Comprehensible for English Learners: The// //SIOP Model//. (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.

** Links: ** Presentation of Points from Chapter 1 -//How Learning Works-7 Research –Based Principles for Smart Teaching// http://onestoplearning.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-does-students-prior-knowledge.

Examples and Videos from West Virginia Dept. of Education @http://wvde.state.wv.us/strategybank/ActivatingPriorKnowledge2.html

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