Which principle emphasizes connecting new learning to a student's prior knowledge?

The principle that emphasizes connecting new learning to a student's prior knowledge is indeed encapsulated in the Basic Principles of Effective Instruction. This principle recognizes that learners build new knowledge on the foundation of what they already know. By linking new concepts to existing cognitive frameworks, educators can facilitate deeper understanding and retention, making learning more relevant and meaningful for students.

This approach is grounded in constructivist theories of learning, which assert that knowledge is constructed by the learner through active engagement and integration of new information. When instruction acknowledges and builds on a student's prior experiences, it can enhance motivation and promote cognitive connections that enhance the learning process.

Other options relate to important educational strategies but don't exclusively focus on the aspect of connecting new information to prior knowledge. For instance, cooperative learning involves students working together to enhance learning but does not inherently address the link to prior knowledge. Metacognition refers to students' awareness and regulation of their own learning processes but does not specifically emphasize the connection to prior knowledge. Differentiated instruction is about tailoring teaching methods to accommodate diverse learners but, similarly, is not solely focused on prior knowledge connections.