What teaching strategy involves making connections to existing knowledge?

The strategy that involves making connections to existing knowledge is concept mapping. This approach allows students to visually organize and represent knowledge about a particular topic. By creating a concept map, learners can illustrate relationships between concepts, thereby connecting new information to what they already understand. This process not only aids in retention but encourages deeper comprehension as students actively engage with the material by linking it to their prior knowledge.

Concept mapping is particularly effective in promoting meaningful learning, as it requires students to reflect on their existing knowledge and integrate new concepts, enhancing their overall understanding of the subject matter. This technique can facilitate discussions, enable students to identify gaps in their understanding, and assist educators in evaluating student comprehension.

In contrast, while scaffolding also supports learning by providing temporary assistance and building skills progressively, its primary focus is not specifically on making connections to prior knowledge. Inquiry learning encourages exploration and questioning, often leading to new knowledge without direct emphasis on linking to existing concepts. Direct instruction focuses on explicit teaching methods, often less reliant on connecting information back to what students already know.