Oklahoma State Assessment Test (OSAT) Early Childhood Education Practice Test

What is the concept of assimilation in learning?

1. Changing prior knowledge to accommodate new information

2. Taking in new information and connecting it with prior knowledge

3. Repeating information to enhance memory

4. Ignoring prior knowledge in favor of new information

The correct answer is: Taking in new information and connecting it with prior knowledge

The concept of assimilation in learning is best defined as taking in new information and connecting it with prior knowledge. This process involves integrating new experiences or insights into existing cognitive frameworks, allowing learners to make sense of new information in the context of what they already know. By relating new concepts to familiar ideas, individuals can enhance their understanding and retention of new material, reinforcing their overall learning experience. In the context of early childhood education, this means that when children encounter unfamiliar concepts, they will often relate those ideas to experiences or knowledge they already possess. For instance, if a child learns about different animals, they may connect this new information to their previous experiences with pets or visits to the zoo, thereby enriching their understanding. The other choices represent different learning processes. Changing prior knowledge to accommodate new information refers to accommodation, where one might alter existing schemas to integrate new data but does not capture the essence of assimilation. Repeating information to enhance memory is more aligned with rote learning techniques rather than critical assimilation of knowledge. Ignoring prior knowledge in favor of new information does not facilitate learning, as it dismisses the valuable connections that can aid comprehension and retention.