The correct answer is: C. The new content being taught is related to the previous knowledge of the student.
Meaningful learning is a type of learning that involves understanding and retaining information in a way that makes sense to the learner. It is often contrasted with rote learning, which is simply memorizing information without understanding it.
There are a number of factors that contribute to meaningful learning, including:
- Interest: Students are more likely to learn meaningfully if they are interested in the topic. This is because they are more likely to be motivated to pay attention and to think about the material in a deeper way.
- Relevance: Students are more likely to learn meaningfully if the material is relevant to their lives. This means that it should connect to their prior knowledge and experiences, and it should be something that they can see themselves using in the future.
- Active engagement: Students are more likely to learn meaningfully if they are actively engaged in the learning process. This means that they should be doing more than just listening to lectures or reading textbooks. They should be participating in discussions, doing hands-on activities, and creating their own products.
- Scaffolding: Students are more likely to learn meaningfully if they are given the support they need to succeed. This means that teachers should provide clear instructions, offer helpful feedback, and break down complex material into smaller steps.
When the new content being taught is related to the previous knowledge of the student, it is easier for the student to understand and retain the information. This is because the student can build on their existing knowledge to make sense of the new information. Additionally, when the new content is related to the student’s interests, they are more likely to be motivated to learn it.
The other options are also important factors in meaningful learning, but they are not as essential as the first option. For example, students may still be able to learn meaningfully even if they are not interested in the topic, as long as the material is relevant to their lives and they are actively engaged in the learning process. However, if the new content is not related to the student’s previous knowledge, it will be much more difficult for them to understand and retain the information.