Ennakkoymmärrys

Ennakkoymmärrys refers to the prior knowledge, beliefs, and experiences that an individual brings to a new learning situation. It is a foundational concept in educational psychology and learning theory, emphasizing that learning is not a passive reception of information but an active process of constructing meaning based on existing cognitive structures. These pre-existing understandings can significantly influence how new information is interpreted, understood, and retained.

Ennakkoymmärrys can be both a facilitator and a barrier to learning. When new information aligns with existing knowledge, it can be readily integrated and elaborated upon, leading to deeper understanding. However, misconceptions or inaccurate prior knowledge can lead to misunderstandings and hinder the acquisition of correct concepts. Educators often strive to identify and address students' ennakkoymmärrys at the beginning of a lesson or unit to build upon accurate understandings and correct potential misconceptions.

The concept highlights the subjective nature of learning. What one individual understands or believes about a topic can differ greatly from another's, even when exposed to the same information. Recognizing and actively engaging with ennakkoymmärrys is crucial for effective teaching and for fostering meaningful learning experiences where individuals can connect new knowledge to their personal frameworks of understanding.