Here's how it works:
1. Connect to what you already know:
* Think about the topic: Before you read, spend a few minutes thinking about what you already know about the topic.
* Brainstorm: Write down any words, concepts, or ideas that come to mind. This helps you create a mental map of your existing knowledge.
* Make connections: Try to connect the topic to other things you've learned or experienced.
2. Make predictions:
* Think about what the text might be about: Based on the title, headings, or any other information you have, make some predictions about what you think the text will be about.
* Formulate questions: Write down some questions you have about the topic. This will help you focus on what you want to learn from the reading.
3. Use graphic organizers:
* KWL charts: These charts help you organize what you Know, what you Want to know, and what you Learned after reading.
* Concept maps: These help you visualize the relationships between different concepts in the text.
Benefits of Activating Prior Knowledge:
* Improved comprehension: By connecting new information to what you already know, you can understand the text more deeply.
* Increased engagement: The more you connect with the topic, the more engaged you'll be in the reading process.
* Better memory: Connecting new information to your existing knowledge helps you remember it for longer.
Example:
Let's say you are going to read an article about the history of the printing press. Before you start reading, you might:
* Think about what you already know: You know that books exist, and you might have some general ideas about how they are made.
* Brainstorm: You might write down words like "books," "paper," "ink," "printing," and "Gutenberg."
* Make connections: You might connect the topic to your knowledge of the Renaissance or the spread of literacy.
* Formulate questions: You might wonder who invented the printing press, how it worked, or what impact it had on society.
By activating your prior knowledge, you'll be better prepared to understand and learn from the article.