Here's a breakdown of what this involves:
1. Identifying Your Pre-existing Knowledge:
* Think about what you already know about the subject: This could be from past experiences, education, reading, or conversations.
* Consider any relevant frameworks, theories, or concepts: Do you have any knowledge about similar topics that could be applied?
* Identify any biases or assumptions you might have: Being aware of these can help you interpret the subject more objectively.
2. Connecting the New Information:
* Look for connections between the new subject and what you already know: How does it relate to your existing knowledge?
* Explore similarities, differences, and contradictions: Does it confirm, challenge, or expand on your previous understanding?
* Analyze the implications of this new information: What does it mean in light of what you already know?
3. Building a Deeper Understanding:
* By connecting the new subject to your pre-existing knowledge, you gain a deeper understanding: You can see the subject from multiple perspectives and make more informed interpretations.
* This helps you see the bigger picture and understand the subject's significance: You can appreciate its relevance to other topics and to your own life.
* It can lead to new insights and questions: By integrating the new subject with your existing knowledge, you can generate new ideas and further your understanding.
Examples:
* History: When studying a historical event, you might connect it to previous knowledge about the time period, the involved countries, or similar events.
* Science: When learning about a new scientific theory, you might relate it to existing scientific laws, theories, and experimental evidence.
* Literature: When reading a novel, you might consider the author's background, the historical context, or other literary works you've read.
In essence, putting a subject in the context of pre-existing knowledge is about building a bridge between what you know and what you're learning. This allows for a more comprehensive, nuanced, and meaningful understanding of the subject.