FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

How do prior knowledge and new information interact during a lesson?

1. Prior knowledge hinders the learning of new information

2. They are unrelated concepts

3. Prior knowledge supports the understanding of new content

4. New information supersedes prior knowledge

The correct answer is: Prior knowledge supports the understanding of new content

The interaction between prior knowledge and new information is a crucial aspect of the learning process. Prior knowledge serves as a foundation upon which new information can be built. When learners encounter new content, their existing knowledge helps them make connections, providing context that enhances comprehension and retention. By relating new concepts to what they already understand, learners are more likely to internalize and apply the new knowledge effectively. For instance, in a mathematics lesson, if a student already knows how to perform addition, they can more easily grasp the concept of subtraction by understanding it as the reverse operation. This connection deepens their understanding and makes the learning process smoother. The other options reflect misunderstandings about how prior knowledge functions in learning. The idea that prior knowledge hinders learning overlooks the fundamental role it plays in making new information meaningful. Suggesting that prior knowledge and new information are unrelated disregards the interconnected nature of learning, where prior knowledge is essential for integrating new ideas. Finally, the notion that new information supersedes prior knowledge does not account for the need to build upon what learners already know; rather than replacing prior knowledge, effective teaching seeks to expand it by incorporating new insights.