Which learning principle states that instructors should connect what students know to the material they need to learn?

The principle of association is essential in the learning process because it emphasizes the connection between prior knowledge and new information. When instructors link what students already know to the material they need to learn, it creates a framework that makes the new content more relatable and easier to understand. This connection helps students integrate new information with their existing cognitive structures, facilitating better retention and comprehension.

By establishing these associations, instructors can make the learning experience more meaningful and engaging for students. When learners see how new concepts relate to their experiences or previous lessons, they are more likely to remember and apply that knowledge in relevant contexts. This principle is particularly effective because it resonates with the way humans naturally learn; we often understand new ideas by relating them to familiar concepts.