What approach in meaningful and relevant teaching involves understanding student backgrounds?

Building background knowledge is a crucial approach in meaningful and relevant teaching because it emphasizes the importance of understanding students' individual backgrounds, experiences, and prior knowledge. When educators take the time to learn about their students' lives, cultures, and existing knowledge, they can tailor their teaching strategies and content to better connect with students. This method enriches learning by making it more relatable and accessible, enabling students to link new information with what they already know.

This approach encourages active engagement, as students often feel more appreciated and understood when their backgrounds are acknowledged. By building background knowledge, teachers can scaffold learning effectively, helping students make connections that facilitate deeper understanding and retention of new concepts. Ultimately, this strategy leads to a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive.