Prepare for the FTCE Professional Education Test. Study with comprehensive flashcards and engaging multiple choice questions, each crafted with hints and detailed explanations. Enhance your confidence for success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What defines prior knowledge?

  1. Expertise in new topics

  2. Previously acquired knowledge relevant to current learning

  3. Experience without context

  4. Learning that occurs in a vacuum

The correct answer is: Previously acquired knowledge relevant to current learning

Prior knowledge refers to previously acquired knowledge that is relevant to current learning. It encompasses the concepts, skills, and information that learners have already gathered through their experiences and education before encountering new material. This existing knowledge base plays a crucial role in how learners understand and integrate new information, making connections between what they already know and what they are currently learning. When learners possess relevant prior knowledge, they can better comprehend and retain new concepts, as they can relate them to their existing understanding. This relevance aids in problem-solving, critical thinking, and application of knowledge in various contexts. Understanding prior knowledge allows educators to tailor their instruction to build upon what students already know, fostering deeper learning and engagement.