Prior Knowledge

Based on the Blog by Rebecca Alber

Original Publication Date:  7/19/11

The blog discusses the way students learn and build upon prior knowledge.  In the teaching/learning environment, students construct knowledge primarily from building on prior knowledge and only secondarily from what the teacher presents.  According to the author, "teachers should slow down and spend much more time tapping into that prior knowledge when giving instruction" (Alber, 2011).  

The author, Rebecca Alber, has several techniques listed for teachers to “tap into prior knowledge” (Alber, 2011).  I particularly liked the ABC brainstorming idea where students, either independently or in pairs, write a word of phrase for each letter of the alphabet that connects to the major topic/word the teacher provides.  Another strategy that I thought would work well is the classroom brainstorming web.  Ms. Alber describes this as a “free for all”.  She suggests that after completing the content web it should remain visible throughout the unit.  What great ways to get students interacting with content, create interest, and engage students in learning!

Abler, R. (2011, July 19). Are you tapping into prior knowledge often enough in your classroom? [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/prior-knowledge-tapping-into-often-classroom-rebecca-alber