Prior knowledge is a term that is often used to describe the understanding that someone has of the things they have learned in a specific course of study. This understanding is often based on what the person has been told or experienced.
Some common activities that use prior knowledge include:
-Studying for a test
-Trying to understand a difficult article
-Poring over a text for clues
One of the best ways to activate prior knowledge with English language learners is to provide them with opportunities to use it. For example, if you are studying for a test, offer students worksheets or flashcards that use the different concepts you are discussing. This can help them focus on the task at hand and avoid getting lost in the material.
If you want students to understand a difficult article, provide them with pictures, videos, or articles that use the specific terms you are discussing. This will help them to better understand the information and make better connections between the different concepts.
Lastly, make sure that you are also providing students with opportunities to practice using prior knowledge. For example, offer students small group work or class work that uses the different concepts. This can help them to understand how to use the information and create connections between the different concepts.
Overall, activating prior knowledge with English language learners is a great way to improve their understanding of the material. By providing them with opportunities to use the information, they can better focus on the task at hand and develop their own understanding.
