Chapter 1

In what ways is preexisting knowledge important?
Preexisting knowledge is important because it influences what humans notice about the environment and how they organize and interpret what they notice. The more preexisting knowledge one has the easier it is to make judgments on a new sight.

In what ways is active learning important?
Active learning is important to enhance the process of learning between students and teachers and the relationship created within that process. Active learning helps people understand what they are learning and understand when they are not fully comprehending what they are being taught and when they need the topic to be discussed in more detail. Active learners seek to understand complex subject matter and are better prepared to transfer what they have learned to new problems and settings

Provide a brief summary of the key findings.
Understanding, active learning and metacognition are all essential key points within the education system. Students are going to come in with preconceptions that must be addressed. In order to gain competence in certain areas student must have a foundation of knowledge, understand facts and organize information. Metagonitive can help students take control of their own learning.

What is metacognition? What are its implications for education?
Metacognition is the ability for people to predict their performances on certain tasks. Metacognition deals with sense-making, self-assessment and reflected on what worked and what needs improvement. The implications for education are teachers must incorporate preexisting understands that their students hold, teachers need to provide many examples that children can relate to when teaching in depth, and metagonitive skills should be integrated into the curriculum in a range of subject areas.

In what ways are assessments vital in teaching and learning environments?
Assessments are vital in teaching and learning environments based on the trail-and-error system. Assessments help engage students because they can try out an assessment and make a judgment on whether they have conquered the subject matter or if it needs improving. This is also vital for teachers because they can determine whether their teaching skills are being utilized correctly. The assessments relate to the cat learning example. The cat did not initially understand that he had to pull the string down in order to get the food but after trial-and-error, the cat eventually understood and learned what needed to be done. Assessments will eventually lead to a student having learned.