How does prior knowledge affect learning?
Prior knowledge comprises the concepts and experiences a learner brings to a new topic.
Key concepts and practice
Connecting new ideas to existing ones supports understanding, but mistaken ideas can also shape interpretation. Opening questions, explanations of examples and concept maps reveal what learners think.
Examples, evaluation and limits
Rather than merely marking an error, use counterexamples and explanation to rebuild understanding. Learners do not all start at the same point. Teach essential terms and examples before complex tasks when foundations are missing.
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