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PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

WHAT THE READER BRINGS TO THE LEARNING CONTEXT

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Definition Reader’s background knowledge Knowledge the learner brings Background knowledge broadly

acquired

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Considerations How learner may interpret

information How information is filtered through

race/ethnicity, cultural, language/dialect, social class, gender, power relations

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Considerations (cont’d) Can cover a wide range of ideas,

skills, and attitudes

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Schema & prior knowledge Schema (plural schemata)

Mental representations of knowledge Collection of organized and

interrelated ideas or concepts A condition of prior knowledge and

experiences Fluid, overlapping, intertwined

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Schema & prior knowledge Constantly modified to assimilate

or accommodate new information Enables people to draw

generalizations, form opinions and understand new experiences

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Language Experience Approach

Why is it of value? How do we provide the

experience? How can we expand on

experiences to develop literacy?

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Activity #1-LEA

-Using restaurant schemeGroup #1 Burger King- anywhereGroup #2 the Four Seasons- Georgetown Washington, DC

-Implement steps in LEA-Debrief -How can we expand literacy?

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Considerations

What can get in the way of schema development?

No previous experiences Not enough experience Inability to change erroneous

information

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Strategies for activating prior knowledge Discussion Brainstorming Quick writing Picture walk/text walk Semantic mapping Pre-questioning and purpose

setting

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Strategies (cont’d) Anticipation guides Structured previews Reading aloud to students Role playing Projects Concrete materials and real

experiences

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Planning interest-generating instruction- (Ruddell, 1996)

1. Learning occurs most rapidly and efficiently when new concepts and information build on what is already known.

2. The easiest way to gain and hold students’ interest and attention is by engaging them in intellectually rich activities that require problem solving, critical thinking, and active participation.

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Planning interest-generating instruction

3. Personal identification with and investment in an activity increases and sustains a learner’s persistence and productivity.

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REMEMBER PRIOR KNOWLEDGE IS THE SEED FOR

ALL SUBSEQENT LEARNING PRIOR KNOWLEGDE HONORS AND

UTILIZES LEARNERS’ HOME AND COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES