What is an advanced organizer in educational practice?

An advanced organizer is a strategy designed to help students link new information to their existing knowledge. This approach facilitates deeper understanding by providing a framework that helps learners integrate new concepts into their existing cognitive structures. Advanced organizers can take various forms, such as outlines, concept maps, or even graphical representations, which serve as a guide to help students access and utilize prior knowledge as they encounter new material.

By effectively connecting what they already know with new concepts, students can enhance their comprehension and retention of the material. This method is particularly useful in complex subjects where new information builds upon previous understanding. In educational practice, implementing advanced organizers can lead to improved student engagement and performance because it primes students for learning and fosters a more connected and meaningful learning experience.