Background knowledge is a "collection of 'abstracted residue' (Schallert, 2002, p. 57) that has been formed from all life experiences" (Lent, 2012, p. 30). It is the foundation on which instructors can create a bridge connecting students' experiences and current knowledge with opportunities to learn and explore fresh knowledge. This can be done by activating students' prior knowledge. Activating prior knowledge is an essential step in the teaching process. It clarifies misconceptions students may have been exposed to throughout their learning experiences. It aids in leveling the playing field, because not all students come to class with the same background knowledge. When instructors activate prior knowledge, they are providing context as well as beginning the scaffolding process. Instructors are checking for students' understanding, which will aid in determining support and resources. Students will then need to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Implementing the strategy

Background knowledge is tied to experiences, and with experiences come emotions. Activating prior knowledge builds knowledge by creating connections, and many of these connections are made because of the affective component, which plays a huge role in this best practice. When students encounter new knowledge, instructors should not miss the opportunity to use students' prior knowledge to aid in their understanding. Using these strategies helps students continue to thrive in the classroom. Activation of prior knowledge can be implemented within any subject matter. Instructors usually incorporate these strategies at the beginning of a lesson, topic, or unit, or prior to a new skill or strategy.

Here is a link to some strategies for activating prior knowledge, strategies that can be infused within a lesson: Activating Prior Knowledge Strategies