Progression from Known to Unknown Concepts

Progression from Known to Unknown Concepts

Learning is most effective when students can connect new knowledge to what they already know. This approach moves from familiar ideas to new, unfamiliar concepts, allowing learners to build understanding gradually and meaningfully.

1. Start with the Known

• Definition: Begin with concepts, facts, or experiences students are already familiar with.

• Purpose: Activates prior knowledge, reduces learning anxiety, and creates a foundation for new ideas.

• Examples:

  • In science: Start with water they drink before teaching the water cycle

  • In math: Use counting apples before teaching addition of larger numbers

  • In language: Use common words before introducing new vocabulary

Teaching Approach:

• Ask questions about what students already know

• Use familiar examples, stories, or objects

• Encourage discussion and sharing experiences

2. Bridge Known to Related Unknown

• Definition: Introduce a concept that is somewhat related to the known idea but slightly more complex or new.

• Purpose: Helps learners make connections between familiar and unfamiliar ideas.

• Examples:

  • Science: From water they drink → evaporation and condensation

  • Math: From counting apples → simple addition and subtraction

  • Language: From common words → phrases or sentences

Teaching Approach:

• Use analogies, comparisons, and examples linking old and new knowledge

• Provide guided practice and scaffold learning

3. Introduce the Unknown

• Definition: Present completely new concepts, facts, or skills that students have not encountered before.

• Purpose: Learners now have the background knowledge to understand and assimilate new information.

• Examples:

  • Science: The full water cycle, including transpiration and precipitation

  • Math: Word problems involving multiple operations

  • Language: Complex sentences or abstract vocabulary

Teaching Approach:

• Encourage exploration and inquiry

• Relate the new concept back to prior knowledge

• Provide examples, practice, and opportunities for reflection.