How do learners progress most effectively through educational material?

Progressing through educational material effectively involves a structured approach that builds on prior knowledge. Moving from known to unknown concepts allows learners to anchor new information to what they already understand, creating a solid foundation for further learning. This incremental approach makes complex ideas more digestible and allows for deeper comprehension as learners gradually tackle more challenging content.

Furthermore, starting with simpler concepts and gradually increasing complexity aligns with cognitive development theories. It allows learners to develop skills and confidence at a manageable pace. This strategy minimizes frustration and maximizes retention, as learners can enhance their understanding systematically.

While other methods like hands-on experiments or memorization have their merits, they don't support the foundational learning strategy of building complexity over time as effectively as the approach of transitioning from known to unknown and simple to complex.