1+-+Importance+of+Background+Knowledge

=**Importance of Background Knowledge:**= = = = = = =
 * 1) Background Knowledge is what we already know about the content being introduced,studied or discussed.
 * 2) Academic Background Knowledge is what students already know or have already experienced that will help them understand and connect to new academic knowledge.
 * 3) Academic Background Knowledge CAN be impacted by socio-economic status.
 * 4) Fluid intelligence (the ability to process and store information) and the number and frequency of academically oriented experiences are key to acquiring background knowledge.
 * 5) There is a relationship between academic background knowledge and academic achievement.
 * 6) Teachers/Schools can have a positive influence on a students background knowledge by increasing direct and indirect approaches to enhancing academic background knowledge.
 * 7) The indirect approach to building academic background knowledge is a more viable option for schools.

[|Non-fiction Science Writing]: TEA PARTY Strategy: " In non-fiction science writing, authors often present several main ideas through the voices of key people involved in a particular story." ~C. Westover

SEDL, Applying Research, Improving Education - Building Reading Proficiency at the Secondary Level: A Guide to Resources ~C.Westover

Article on using field trips to build background knowledge. (Links to virtual field trips as well.) Learning Connections Newsletter, April 20, 2010 ~S. Drake

Background Knowledge is what we already know about the content being introduced, studied or discussed. It is an interaction of the attitudes, experiences and knowledge a student "brings to the table" and new academic content presented.

Explanation of Prior Knowledge

Academic background knowledge CAN be impacted by socio-economic status. Data shows that the number of academic experiences (and vocabulary) can be correlated with family income.

Graphic Representation of Levels of Prior Knowledge



Class powerpoint for April 15, 2010 ~ C. Westover

Six Research Based Steps to Academic Vocabulary - A one page document based on the six steps recommended by Robert Marzano and others.

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