Why Should We Activate Prior Knowledge?
Finding out what students already know about a certain topic is essential to improving learning. Not every student has the same background knowledge. According to Marzano, "What students already know about the content is one of the strongest indicators of how well they will learn new information relative to the
content" (2004, p. 1). We can then provide resources that will really suit their needs. In this document, you will find a variety of activities to activate prior knowledge with ICTs and get a better understanding of what your whole class knows about a given topic.
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Using KWL with Scrumblr
This video presents how to use a KWL chart to activate prior knowledge with an online tool called Scrumblr.
Using a Collaborative Word Cloud with Mentimeter
In this video, we present how you can use a collaborative word cloud to activate prior knowledge with Mentimeter.
Using an Entry Ticket with Padlet
In this clip, we present how you can create an entry ticket activity with Padlet.
Padlet is an online multiplatform tool that creates a virtual wall where teachers and students can collaborate and reflect on a variety of topics. They can also share videos, links, images and sounds. It’s even possible to record a comment directly in a post and draw something.
Other ideas to integrate Padlet in class:
- To activate prior knowledge in collaboration
- To check for understanding
- To brainstorm vocabulary or sentences to reinvest in a written production
- To share resources (images, videos, links)
- To showcase student’s work
- To receive or record feedback
- To summarize student’s learning
- To ask metacognitive questions
New Features in Padlet
Learn Padlet - Tutorial