Which principle was the teacher using when they asked students to recall a personal event related to a story?

The principle being utilized by the teacher, where students are asked to recall a personal event related to a story, aligns perfectly with the idea that learning is facilitated by activating existing knowledge as a foundation for new knowledge. This approach encourages students to connect their prior experiences and personal memories to the new content being introduced. By making these connections, learners can better understand and internalize the new material, as they can relate it to something familiar and meaningful to them.

This method of activating prior knowledge not only aids comprehension but also enhances retention, as the students are more likely to engage with the material on a deeper level. Such strategies help create a context for learning, enabling students to see the relevance of the new information in their own lives. By integrating their own experiences, learners can construct new meanings and understandings, which solidifies their grasp of the subject matter.