The Pre-training Principle states that people learn more efficiently when they already know some of the basics. An understanding of basic definitions, concepts, and terminology can help learners better understand new ideas and processes that are introduced.
Putting the Pre-Training Principle into practice:
This is another principle that seems like common sense. If a learner already knows something about a topic, they are less likely to get confused when new or more complex information is presented. They have a place to store the new information in their cognitive schema.
The most obvious way to employ this principle would be to create an introductory lesson at the beginning of a learning module dedicated to help learners understand the basics. If a learner is already well acquainted with a topic, giving them the ability to opt out of the introductory lesson might be a good inclusion, as well
Alternatively, you can create an introductory guide or a pre-training list of topics which learners can reference before, during, and after a lesson. Providing learners with a focused list covering the main points of a learning module has the added benefit of giving them a prequel of the contents of the course, which can help learners cognitively organize the material in their mental framework.