Which approach uses learners' prior knowledge and experiences to enhance learning for each student?

Which approach uses learners' prior knowledge and experiences to enhance learning for each student?

• A. Language Experience Approach
• B. Direct Instruction
• C. Task-Based Learning
• D. Content and Language Integrated Learning

Answer: (A)

Learning is strongest when new language connects to what a student already knows. In the Language Experience Approach, a learner’s own experiences and everyday language become the foundation for literacy work. A teacher records a student’s spoken story exactly as it’s told, then uses that written version as the reading material. Because the text reflects the student’s vocabulary, ideas, and sentence patterns, it’s immediately meaningful, which builds confidence, comprehension, and engagement while teaching decoding, vocabulary, and writing in a contextual way. This personalized starting point makes it easier to differentiate tasks and supports growth for each learner. Other methods emphasize different structures—direct instruction relies on explicit skill teaching; task-based learning focuses on completing activities, not necessarily anchored in one student’s background; CLIL integrates content from another subject and language but doesn’t center individual prior experiences as the primary driver.

Learning is strongest when new language connects to what a student already knows. In the Language Experience Approach, a learner’s own experiences and everyday language become the foundation for literacy work. A teacher records a student’s spoken story exactly as it’s told, then uses that written version as the reading material. Because the text reflects the student’s vocabulary, ideas, and sentence patterns, it’s immediately meaningful, which builds confidence, comprehension, and engagement while teaching decoding, vocabulary, and writing in a contextual way. This personalized starting point makes it easier to differentiate tasks and supports growth for each learner. Other methods emphasize different structures—direct instruction relies on explicit skill teaching; task-based learning focuses on completing activities, not necessarily anchored in one student’s background; CLIL integrates content from another subject and language but doesn’t center individual prior experiences as the primary driver.