Definition
A teaching principle in which an instructor introduces new material by linking it to what the student already understands, building each new concept on a foundation of previously mastered knowledge.
Plain English
Start with what the student already knows, then connect the new idea to it. The familiar part gives them something to hold on to while they learn the unfamiliar part.
Context Anchor
Used in lesson planning, ground instruction, and flight training when an instructor decides how to introduce a new concept or maneuver.
Derivation
Known comes from Old English words meaning recognized or understood. Unknown means not known. The phrase helps because it describes the direction of good instruction: from secure understanding toward new understanding.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces student confusion and anxiety by anchoring new skills to prior knowledge, improving retention and safety in training.
Analogy
It is like giving directions from a landmark someone already recognizes. Once they know where they are starting, the new route is much easier to follow.
Intuition Check
Do not read known to unknown as simply covering easy topics before hard topics. It means tying each new idea directly to something the learner already understands.
Example Sentence 1
Before introducing the concept of load factor in steep turns, the instructor used the known to unknown principle by first reviewing the straight-and-level forces the student had already mastered.
Example Sentence 2
Lesson plans follow the known to unknown principle to ensure each new concept builds on mastered skills.