Which method of sequencing information begins with information that students are familiar with before introducing unfamiliar material?

The method of sequencing information that starts with concepts students are already familiar with before introducing new, unfamiliar material is known as "known-to-unknown." This approach is effective in education because it builds on the students' existing knowledge, creating a solid foundation that facilitates the introduction of new concepts. By anchoring new information to what they already understand, students are more likely to engage with and retain the new material.

This method leverages cognitive frameworks that inherently make learning more meaningful. When students can relate new information to their prior experiences, it enhances comprehension and encourages a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The progression from known to unknown serves to reduce anxiety associated with learning complex topics by providing context and grounding the new material in familiar territory. This is particularly effective in subjects where concepts build upon one another.

In contrast, methods such as linear progression might present information sequentially but do not specifically focus on leveraging prior knowledge. Meanwhile, the unknown-to-known approach would attempt to introduce new concepts first, which may overwhelm learners. Circular reasoning does not apply to educational methodologies but refers to a logical fallacy, making it unrelated in this context.